Health Reporter<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zimbabwe is experiencing a surge in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among its young population, driven by poor lifestyle choices and consumption of unhealthy diets, warns the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The economic transition and urbanization are leading to a rise in NCDs, as young people are adopting unhealthy diets and lifestyles,” said Dr. Justice Mudavanhu, Acting Director of NCDs at MoHCC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Obesity Atlas, 2.9 million Zimbabwean children will have high Body Mass Index (BMI) by 2035, triggering a rise in stroke-related health complications, diabetes, and other conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unhealthy diets, lifestyle changes, smoking, alcohol use, and physical inactivity are major risk factors contributing to the surge in NCDs among young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Traditionally, NCDs were associated with older generations, but in Zimbabwe, we’re seeing a rise in NCDs among the young population,” Dr. Mudavanhu added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of awareness and silent symptoms of NCDs are also contributing to the crisis, highlighting the need for regular check-ups and health education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We’re recording hypertension cases in younger people, and our register shows 1.2 million people on treatment for hypertension, with a large proportion being young people,” Dr. Mudavanhu said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Genetic and environmental factors also play a role in the rise of NCDs among young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The World Obesity Atlas projects that 79% of adults with overweight and obesity will live in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) by 2035, with 88% of children with overweight and obesity living in LMICs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Zimbabwe, the Obesity Atlas notes a 4.4% annual growth rate in adults with high BMI and a 6.5% annual growth rate in children with high BMI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The estimated burden of obesity in Zimbabwe by 2035 is 6.9 million adults and 2.9 million children, totaling 9.9 million people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, 5,250 Zimbabweans died from stroke due to high BMI, 1,700 from diabetes linked to high BMI, and 3,500 from coronary heart diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The situation is alarming, and we need to take urgent action to address the rise of NCDs among our young population,” Dr. Mudavanhu emphasized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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