Obesity in Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea, officially the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, is a country located on the west coast of Central Africa. It is one of the smallest countries in continental Africa and is comprised of two parts, an insular and a mainland region. The insular region consists of the islands of Bioko (formerly Fernando Pó) and Annobón, and the mainland region, Río Muni, consists of several small coastal islets.

In 2016, Equatorial Guinea had an adult obesity rate of 8%, ranking it 156th globally. Obesity is a growing health concern worldwide, and Equatorial Guinea is no exception. Despite its relatively low ranking, the country faces significant challenges in addressing obesity and related health issues.

Obesity is a medical condition characterized by an excessive amount of body fat. It is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes obesity as a global epidemic that affects millions of people worldwide.

In Equatorial Guinea, the healthcare system is working to address the issue of obesity. One of the well-known healthcare facilities in the country is the La Paz Medical Center. Located in the capital city of Malabo, La Paz Medical Center offers a range of healthcare services, including weight management programs. These programs are designed to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight, thereby reducing their risk of obesity-related diseases.

Despite these efforts, the country still faces significant challenges in addressing obesity. These include a lack of awareness about the dangers of obesity, limited access to healthcare services, and cultural attitudes towards weight and body size.