NUT3705
ASSIGNMENT 4 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 30 MAY 2025
, NUT3705
Assignment 4 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 30 May 2025
Nutrition and Alternative Medicine
SECTION A.1: IMPROVED LITERATURE REVIEW
Childhood Obesity in South Africa: Causes, Consequences, and Nutrition-Based
Interventions
Introduction
Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern globally and is increasingly
prevalent in South Africa. Once considered a problem of high-income nations, childhood
obesity is now rising in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings.
According to the South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) 2016,
approximately 13% of children aged 6–14 are overweight or obese. This trend poses a
significant burden on the country's health system and has long-term health implications.
Understanding the contributing factors, health consequences, and effective, culturally
appropriate interventions is crucial for managing and reversing this trend.
Causes of Childhood Obesity in South Africa
1. Dietary Patterns and Food Environment
A primary contributor to obesity is the shift from traditional diets to energy-dense,
nutrient-poor Westernized diets. Many children consume highly processed foods,
sugar-sweetened beverages, and fast foods due to aggressive marketing and easy
ASSIGNMENT 4 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 30 MAY 2025
, NUT3705
Assignment 4 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 30 May 2025
Nutrition and Alternative Medicine
SECTION A.1: IMPROVED LITERATURE REVIEW
Childhood Obesity in South Africa: Causes, Consequences, and Nutrition-Based
Interventions
Introduction
Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern globally and is increasingly
prevalent in South Africa. Once considered a problem of high-income nations, childhood
obesity is now rising in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings.
According to the South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) 2016,
approximately 13% of children aged 6–14 are overweight or obese. This trend poses a
significant burden on the country's health system and has long-term health implications.
Understanding the contributing factors, health consequences, and effective, culturally
appropriate interventions is crucial for managing and reversing this trend.
Causes of Childhood Obesity in South Africa
1. Dietary Patterns and Food Environment
A primary contributor to obesity is the shift from traditional diets to energy-dense,
nutrient-poor Westernized diets. Many children consume highly processed foods,
sugar-sweetened beverages, and fast foods due to aggressive marketing and easy
