Health officials warn that poor diet, sedentary living and long working hours are fuelling a surge in non-communicable diseases across the province
By Mapaballo Borotho
Almost half of South African adults are living with excess weight, with 23% classified as overweight and 27% as obese.
This is according to the data released by Department of Health in Gauteng, as the country commemorates National Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month and Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Day on Friday, 20 February 2026.
Health MEC in the province, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, says there’s a growing obesity crisis and its direct link to the rise in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke and heart diseases.
“In an urban province like Gauteng, long working hours, sedentary lifestyles, limited physical activity, and increased consumption of processed foods, coupled with alcohol and tobacco use, are accelerating the rise of chronic illnesses and contributing to earlier onset of disease,” she said.
More than 67 000 cases of hypertension among young adults and those over 45 were recorded in Gauteng alone in the past 12 months.
“This reflects a worrying trend of younger people developing high blood pressure, a condition that was previously more common among older adults. The Department remains concerned that many people are still undiagnosed and at risk of serious complications, including stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and amputations,” she added.
Without urgent lifestyle changes, the burden of preventable diseases will continue to place pressure on families, communities and the public healthcare system.
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