Kenya faces a growing public health crisis due to increasing rates of overweight and obesity, a problem that could cost the country an estimated Sh97.4 billion (US$755 million) in healthcare expenses over the next two decades. A recent study suggests that if Kenya successfully halts the rise in overweight and obesity, it could significantly reduce healthcare costs and prevent numerous cases of chronic illnesses. The study, conducted by Dr. Mary Wanjau of the University of Nairobi alongside researchers from Griffith University in Australia and Clinical Research Education Networking and Consultancy in Cameroon, provides a detailed analysis of the potential health and economic benefits of obesity control measures.
According to the researchers, the projected savings of Sh97.4 billion equate to approximately 16 percent of Kenya’s annual healthcare expenditure or one percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To put this into perspective, this amount is nearly nine times the cost of building the Kenyatta University Referral Hospital, which required an investment of Sh10 billion. The study emphasizes the urgent need for effective interventions to curb obesity and associated diseases, which continue to strain Kenya’s healthcare system.
Obesity is linked to numerous health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders. The researchers modeled the impact of 37 obesity-related diseases and found that if Kenya meets its commitment to halting the rise in overweight and obesity, it could prevent over half a million cases of musculoskeletal disorders by 2044. Additionally, 466,030 cases of type 2 diabetes and 301,729 cases of cardiovascular diseases could be avoided. The potential impact on mortality rates is also significant, with approximately 66,135 deaths preventable within the same period. The greatest reductions in fatalities would come from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
The study highlights how urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary changes contribute to Kenya’s obesity crisis. Increased consumption of processed foods high in sugar and saturated fats has led to a decline in the intake of traditional, nutrient-rich foods. The shift from indigenous diets to unhealthy alternatives has significantly fueled the rise in overweight and obesity among adults. Currently, about 27 percent of Kenya’s adult population, equivalent to 6.8 million people, is classified as overweight or obese. The researchers warn that if this trend is not reversed, the financial and health burdens on the country will continue to escalate.
Beyond healthcare cost savings, controlling obesity could have immense economic benefits. The study estimates that by 2044, Kenya could see a total productivity gain of US$5.8 billion (Sh748.2 billion) due to reductions in obesity-related mortality and morbidity. These productivity gains are nearly eight times higher than the direct healthcare cost savings, demonstrating the broader economic impact of addressing obesity. The World Health Organization’s Global Health Expenditure Database estimated that Kenya’s total healthcare costs stood at US$4.5 billion in 2018, further emphasizing the significant burden obesity places on the nation’s economy.
Gender disparities in obesity rates were also noted, with the study revealing that women in Kenya have higher rates of overweight and obesity compared to men. As a result, the health gains from reducing obesity would be more pronounced among females. This underscores the need for gender-sensitive health policies that address the unique challenges faced by women in managing their weight and overall health.
Given these findings, experts advocate for urgent policy interventions to curb obesity. Strategies such as implementing a sugar tax, enforcing stricter food labeling requirements, and designing urban spaces that encourage physical activity could help address the crisis. Internationally, similar measures have been successful in reducing obesity rates and related healthcare costs. By taking decisive action, Kenya can not only improve public health but also achieve substantial economic benefits in the long term.
