A person whose weight is higher than what is considered to be a normal weight for a given height is described as being overweight or having obesity.
According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), 32% of women aged 20 to 49 years in Kiambu are classified as overweight, and 24% are classified as obese. This places Kiambu among the counties with the highest rates of overweight and obesity in Kenya.
Neighboring counties like Kirinyaga and Nyeri have even higher rates, with 35% of women being overweight. The trend is concerning as it highlights a broader issue across the Mt. Kenya region and the country at large.
The data underscores a broader trend across Kenya, where women in the 20-49 age group are increasingly facing weight-related health issues as they age.
In Kiambu, as in other parts of the country, there is a sharp decline in the number of women with a normal nutritional status as they transition from their teenage years into adulthood.
For instance, while a higher percentage of teenage girls in Kiambu maintain a normal weight, this number decreases significantly among women in their 20s and 30s.
Health experts point to several contributing factors, including dietary changes, sedentary lifestyles, and limited access to health education.
These trends pose serious health risks, such as increased chances of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Addressing this issue requires targeted interventions, including public health initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles, improve nutritional education, and encourage regular physical activity.
Collaborative efforts between the government, healthcare providers, and the community are essential to tackle this growing health concern.
