Nutrition-related diseases in southern Africa: With special reference to urban African populations in transition
Walker, Alexander, R.P.
Nutrition Research 15(7): 1053-1094
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0271-5317 DOI: 10.1016/0271-5317(95)00067-s
Accession: 009115531
In Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Southern Africa, changes are occurring in African's life-style, which ranges from the primitive traditional to the city sophisticated. The huge bulk of Africans remain very poor. In both rural and urban areas, dietarily, intakes of energy, fat and protein are rising, with diminishing carbohydrate and fibre moieties. Lesser dependence on plant foods has reduced intakes of vitamins. Smoking practice and alcohol consumption are rising, and physical activity falling. In city dwellers, prevalences of dental caries, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes have risen and even exceed levels in western populations, although coronary heart disease and chronic bowel diseases remain very uncommon even in the prosperous. Vital statistics and longevity have improved considerably. Understandably, rises in infections, chiefly tuberculosis, and in western diseases, with increasing smoking, and excessive drinking, are potent continuing health challenges. Their increasing magnitudes, apart from that presented by infections, are restrained only by general African impoverishment.