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National Geographic
7 days ago
- Health
- National Geographic
The astonishing superpowers of nature's most unloved animals
From their odd appendages to their unsavory hygiene, certain animals suffer an image problem. But their awkward attributes can be their biggest advantages. Found across every continent except Antarctica and Australia, vultures like the lappet-faced species have lived among humans for millennia. But because they feast on the remains of dead animals, they've been saddled with a reputation for carrying disease. Quite the contrary: By devouring rotting flesh, these scavengers prevent the spread of pathogens that cause bubonic plague, anthrax, and other diseases. They even stop carrion from emitting tens of millions of metric tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere each year. We owe a lot to this feathered cleanup crew. Photographs and video by Joel Sartore The vulture has to be one of the most reviled creatures on Earth. The very word 'vulture' is an insult—a synonym for a greedy exploiter. In a way, vultures' bad reputation is understandable. For starters, they are neither cute nor cuddly, what with their stooped posture, bare heads, and beady eyes. They spend their days eating dead animals—and they do it in a stomach-churning way, by entering the corpse at its soft parts such as the mouth, nose, or anus. 'Vultures definitely have an image problem,' says National Geographic Explorer Darcy Ogada, Africa program director at the conservation nonprofit Peregrine Fund, who points out that a bald bird sticking its beak up the rear end of a wildebeest wouldn't make for the most appealing magazine cover. The birds' PR problem has real-world consequences. It causes us to overlook the vultures' fascinating behavior and vital role in our ecosystem. Without vultures, bad things happen. These birds act as nature's cleaners, hoovering up rotting carcasses and preventing the spread of disease. (Africa's vultures are disappearing. A series of disasters could follow.) Consider the drastic situation in India. Starting three decades ago, vultures nearly disappeared after millions of them were accidentally poisoned by medicine used on cows, which turned out to be toxic to vultures. As a result, the countryside became littered with rotting, germ-filled animal corpses that infected the rivers and drinking water—and also boosted the population of rabies-carrying feral dogs. According to a recent study in the American Economic Review, the decline in vultures correlated with more than half a million excess human deaths in a population sample in India between 2000 and 2005. In an ideal world, the disappearing vulture population would be a conservation priority. But it isn't. The vast majority of global conservation money goes to a few top species, usually large animals such as rhinos, elephants, and gorillas. 'The rest of conservation gets the scraps,' Ogada says. The animals fighting over those crumbs are what you might call the D-list species. The outcasts. We're talking about the vultures, the naked mole rats, and the proboscis monkeys with their pendulous blobby schnozzes. They're not pretty. They're not colorful. They often do gross things, such as eating feces, a habit of the naked mole rat. They are the polar opposites of the conservation icons: the lions, pandas, penguins, and giraffes that star in nature documentaries, appear on our cereal boxes, and get the lead roles in animated movies. Conservationists call the A-listers charismatic megafauna or flagship species. Several studies show that they get a lopsided share of donations. As one study puts it, 'Animal charisma trumps endangered status.' Just one example: Amphibians account for about 25 percent of threatened vertebrate species, but get only 2.5 percent of funding. No one wants to kiss or donate to a slimy frog. From scuba diving to set-jetting (How does the Endangered Species Act protect animals at risk?) What does it take to be a Very Important Animal? It helps if you're cute, furry, jumbo size, and/or adorned with attention-grabbing outerwear—think the interesting patterns of leopards and zebras. Cuteness is an especially powerful draw, thanks to our brain's programming. 'What we find is cute in animals is often the same things we find cute in human babies, such as big, forward-facing eyes,' says Gabby Salazar, an environmental social scientist and National Geographic Explorer. We're genetically designed to love and nurture babies, and babyish animals such as the panda (which appears on the WWF logo) reap the benefits. Being on the A-list comes with yet another benefit, what psychologists call the halo effect. This means that we mistakenly imbue attractive people and animals with additional positive characteristics, such as moral goodness. It's why so many movie heroes are equipped with gleaming teeth and chiseled jaws and so many villains have scars. But in reality, both with humans and animals, prettiness doesn't equal benevolence or courage, and neither does ugliness equal nastiness or cowardice. Just look at the toucan. 'I love toucans, but they don't just use that beak to eat fruit,' says Salazar. 'They also use that beak to scoop up baby birds from other birds' nests.' Not something you'd see Toucan Sam from Froot Loops doing. So how do we fix this PR problem? How do we get the animal kingdom's outcasts more attention and the conservation dollars they deserve? Salazar says one key is to tell better stories. For starters, we can highlight the benefits some of these animals provide, such as the vultures' role in garbage disposal. This is actually a centuries-old strategy. In a tongue-in-cheek letter to his daughter, Ben Franklin questioned the candidacy of the bald eagle as a national emblem. He argued the dumpy turkey was 'respectable' and a 'bird of courage' that defended its home turf, just as the American colonists defended theirs. He contrasted this with the bald eagle, which Franklin called a bird of 'bad moral character' and accused of stealing fish from other birds (which it does). Another strategy is to reframe these animals' supposedly bad characteristics. For instance, the vulture's unpleasant-looking bald head is in fact a clever way to help keep the bird from collecting germs in its feathers when it's eating carcasses. The sloth's alleged laziness is really a brilliant evolutionary adaptation. Its slowness is a superefficient way to survive on a low-energy, leaf-filled diet. The naked mole rat may look like a wrinkly bucktoothed hot dog, but this quirky creature has evolved to survive without oxygen for 18 minutes. One other idea is to lean into these animals' freakiness. Salazar says there's some new research on what are being called 'ugly-cute' animals. 'Ugly-cute animals are animals that are so weird or not stereotypically cute that they actually end up being fun and make us smile and laugh,' she says. 'Some species are wacky enough that they can benefit from this ugly-cute phenomenon.' Exhibit A is the blobfish, an internet star with its ugly mug featured next to captions such as 'How I feel on Mondays.' Salazar cites a recent study on proboscis monkeys and how internet memes correlated with an increase in donations to protect these Southeast Asian primates. 'In this attention economy, there's some novelty and humor we could capitalize on,' she says. So let's get the revolution started. It's time to embrace the outcasts. Here's to hoping that one day we see cartoon naked mole rats on cereal boxes, college football teams named the Vultures, and a blobfish getting its own Pixar movie. For now, below, we celebrate the bizarrely brilliant traits and behaviors of these D-list creatures. Three-toed sloth Early depictions of sloths show why the slow-moving animals, native to Central and South America, got a bad rap from the get-go. One 19th-century account labeled them 'imperfect monsters of creation,' adding 'equally remarkable for their disgusting appearance and helpless condition.' Sloths can't help that several species of algae grow in the grooves of their coarse, matted fur, giving it a strange, green sheen. But this odd adaptation is a secret weapon—the algae help camouflage the canopy-dwelling creatures. Inspiring lethargy: Sloths have the slowest metabolic rate of any nonhibernating animal, allowing them to conserve the energy they get from their restricted diet. These sedate creatures descend to the forest floor to defecate as rarely as once a week. Variable vertebrates: While most mammals have seven neck vertebrae, some sloth species have more or fewer. Extra bones in the neck of three-toed sloths provide increased range of motion, helpful for surveying their habitat for predators. Helpful passengers: Sloth fur supports robust communities of insects, such as beetles, cockroaches, and moths. Several moth species spend almost their entire lives nestled in sloths' coats. They lay eggs in the sloths' dung and provide nutrients thought to nourish the algae that grow in sloths' fur. Grappling hooks: All sloth species, which mostly eat leaves, have long claws that help them grasp tree branches in the canopy. The claws are made from bone encased in keratin—the same protein that forms human hair and nails. Leopard slug You can't blame people for having a hard time relating to any animal without a spine. But slimy gastropods like slugs and snails have a surprisingly useful set of adaptations. A crown of four wriggling feelers atop the leopard slugs' head allows them to sense their surroundings, and their gooey ooze helps them mate. Slug mucus, which is made from water, proteins, enzymes, and other compounds, has served as inspiration for surgical adhesive. Specialized sensors: Leopard slugs have two sets of forward-facing tentacles, an optical pair for seeing and smelling and another set for tasting and feeling. Impactful appetites: Slugs play an important role in the ecosystem by consuming decomposing plants and insects, returning vital nutrients to the soil. Asexual reproduction: All terrestrial slugs are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs and can reproduce independently if they aren't able to find a mate. Male proboscis monkeys are adorned with an oversize, fleshy snout that drapes across their face. The protrusion may seem comical and impractical to humans, but it has an important purpose. These caramel-colored primates, native to the lush jungles of Borneo in Southeast Asia, live in large communities broken down into smaller roving groups of males and then harems, or groups of females and their offspring, that are dominated by a single male. Competition for female attention—which earns one a larger harem—can be fierce among males. Female proboscis monkeys gravitate toward males with the largest sniffer. Built-in bullhorn: Nearly four inches long, the males' fleshy nose doesn't just attract mates. It's also thought to amplify the monkeys' raucous vocalizations, a chorus of honks, howls, and roars. African bullfrog Often overlooked, slimy amphibians like frogs and salamanders are the focus of meager conservation funding, considering how many species are threatened or endangered. The bulbous African bullfrog is the world's second largest frog species—males can be 10 inches long and weigh as much as four pounds. And they can look even bigger: When the frogs feel threatened, they puff up their lumpy bodies to intimidate predators. Sturdy kickers: Muscular hind legs help bullfrogs dig burrows to better surprise prey like lizards and birds. Super spit: Frog saliva changes consistency when force is applied to it. While bullfrogs rest, their spit is thick, sticky, and gloopy, but when the tongue shoots out and latches on to prey, the spit transforms into a watery substance that coats the target. Skin cocoon: During the dry season, African bullfrogs can go dormant and grow a paperlike shell, made of layers of dead skin, that helps trap moisture. When the rain comes, the cocoon washes away. Honey badgers Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in the Middle East and western Asia, these scrappy predators have a fearsome reputation, thanks to a set of impressive adaptations. For one, honey badgers have developed a resistance to venomous snakes' neurotoxins, and approximately a quarter of their diet consists of snakes. But a love of honey also compels these aptly named animals to raid beehives. Fortunately, their thick skin safeguards them against the hundreds of ensuing stings. The honey badgers' hunting prowess pays off even for other species: Jackals and goshawks in search of a tasty morsel may follow a honey badger as it looks for a meal. Venom-resistant receptors: Adaptations in the honey badgers' nervous system block the effects of neurotoxins delivered by snakes like the Cape cobra and black mamba that the animals snack on. Mighty mitts: Honey badgers' claws, more than an inch long, can rip open beehives, dead animals, and prey such as lizards. The creatures also use their keratin talons to dig dens and carve out space in abandoned burrows. Rubbery skin: Beneath their fur, honey badgers' skin is thick and loose, able to withstand snakebites and bee stings and difficult for predators, like African wild dogs and hyenas, to hang on to. Natural musk: The formidable mammals release a mustard-like substance from their anal glands, which can be used in self-defense and to mark their home range. Scrub fowl The gargantuan feet of birds in the megapode family like the Tongan scrub fowl may look clumsy, but they're actually a superpower. These stocky, chicken-size birds, found throughout Australasia, typically roost in forests, on sun-drenched beaches, or near geothermal areas, and they use their feet to build sandy burrows or mound nests from rotting vegetation. After they hatch, Tongan scrub fowl chicks use their feet to claw themselves from their burrows, which can reach depths of five and a half feet. Substantial footprint: Megapode literally translates to 'large foot.' The birds have evolved sharp claws to help them dig through mud and vegetation. Aye-aye Madagascar has its share of charismatic primates, like the rambunctious ring-tailed lemur, but the island's most captivating characters may be the eerie aye-ayes. The scraggly animals, including this 16-day-old baby, have piercing eyes, a long tail, and coarse fur. Aye-ayes, Earth's largest nocturnal primates, are so visually off-putting that some people consider them bad luck and kill them on sight, which has put the animals' population in jeopardy. Fortunately, efforts to rehabilitate their image are under way, with conservationists and farmers helping local communities recognize that aye-ayes are effective predators of leaf miner larvae that are ravaging clove trees along the east coast. Enormous ears: Massive, batlike ears can pick up the sounds of grubs and other insects wriggling deep inside tree trunks. Keen peepers: Unlike other nocturnal primates, aye-ayes are genetically adapted to see a wider spectrum of the color blue, which helps them spot appetizing blue flowers in twilight conditions. Tricky fingers: Aye-ayes' slender middle fingers are equipped with a unique ball-and-socket joint for increased range of motion. They tap these fingers on tree trunks to locate insect tunnels and scoop out beetle larvae, a method called percussive foraging. Hairy frogfish Since the late 1600s, when a Dutch sea captain and his crew discovered a frogfish among a shipwreck's debris, the vaguely toadlike creatures have earned their place among the ocean's oddities. One 19th-century naturalist described them as 'the most grotesque' of all fishes. Found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, most frogfish are covered in a web of stringy spinules that help them blend in among algae-coated rocks and coral while hunting prey. What may seem like a quick bite to the frogfish can be a win for the ecosystem. In the Caribbean, they eat lionfish, introduced species whose ravenous appetites threaten the health of economically important ecosystems like coral reefs. Bewitching lure: An appendage on the head twitches and twirls like a worm or small fish in the water to draw in unsuspecting prey—a behavior known as aggressive mimicry. Color-changing skin: Pigment cells in frogfish can adjust their coloration to match their surroundings, camouflaging the fish from predators and prey. Fins made for walking: Frogfish are clumsy swimmers and often clamber over rocks and coral using their bulky fins, which consist of specialized muscle arrangements. This behavior caused some early naturalists to misclassify the animals as amphibians. Indian flying foxes Bats can thank author Bram Stoker and various tales of vampire folklore for their reputation as bloodsucking monsters. The Indian flying foxes' intimidating size—they're one of the biggest bat species—dark eyes, sharp teeth, and propensity to congregate in large numbers don't help their image. Found in forests and marshes throughout South Asia, extending into Myanmar, these bats roost in huge colonies, some exceeding a thousand individuals. With a diet of mostly fruits and nectar, they're also one of the world's largest natural pollinators. Goliath wingspan: Fully spread, the wings of Indian flying foxes can stretch over five feet. By comparison, common vampire bats in Central and South America have a wingspan that can reach 15 inches. Heightened senses: As fruit-eaters, these bats rely on sight and smell, sharpened over years of evolution, rather than echolocation, which tends to be used by insectivores. "Underdogs" will premiere on National Geographic June 15th and stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. Please check local listings. A version of this story appears in the July 2025 issue of National Geographic magazine. The National Geographic Society funds Explorer Joel Sartore's Photo Ark project, which aims to document every species living in the world's zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries.
San Francisco Chronicle
29-05-2025
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
Some Africans have long seen a big belly as a sign of wealth. It's killing them
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — In many African cultures, a big belly has long been seen as a sign of wealth. But this perception is proving deadly as deaths due to obesity -related illnesses rise. In Kenya, overweight politicians are often called Boss or Mkubwa — Swahili for 'big man' — by constituents, with their girth symbolizing prosperity. Younger politicians, including the governors of Nairobi and Mombasa, have begun speaking publicly about weight loss. Obesity contributes to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, which have become Kenya's leading cause of death. The health ministry says they are responsible for 39% of fatalities annually. In a country where the government has said almost a third of the population is still unable to fulfill food needs, 13% adults are obese, according to the 2025 World Obesity Atlas. The contrast highlights the country's growing inequality and the popularity of fast and processed foods by those with rising incomes. Perceptions about obesity can affect financial and other decisions. In neighboring Uganda, microfinance institutions vetted loan applicants based on their weight, and those overweight were considered more able to repay loans, according to a study published by the American Economic Review in 2023. 'Most people feel like when I start making money, I have to look like the money itself by being fat or obese,' said Kenyan nutritionist Felix Okoth. 'They however don't realize that they are predisposing themselves to these lifestyle conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.' The World Health Organization's Africa director has called the rising trend a 'ticking time bomb" for the continent with the world's youngest and fastest growing population. Some are trying to change the conversation around weight. A former senator in Kenya, Cleophas Malala, has described how a 15-hour flight to the U.S. left him in pain and how doctors advised him to reduce. From a starting weight of 138 kilograms (304 pounds), he embarked on a non-solid diet for 90 days. Though he didn't disclose his current weight, before-and-after photos show him noticeably slimmer. 'My colleagues in parliament were mad that I left the 'club' after I lost weight,' the 39-year-old has said. Stephen Ogweno, who had childhood obesity and later became a public health advocate, said most Kenyan legislators don't see the issue as a problem. 'These discussions are held in parliament where most MPs have big bellies, and so admitting that it concerns them, too, would be a good place to start,' he said, Kenyan President William Ruto has spoken publicly about the need to be fit for work. He had to reassure Kenyans in 2023 that he was okay after online speculation about his health following weight loss. 'I decided to cut it down because the task ahead was not easy,' he told journalists. Increasing incomes, proliferation of fast-food outlets in urban areas, sedentary lifestyles and lack of infrastructure that promotes physical activity have been named as probable causes of rising obesity in developing countries. 'We need to make sure that when we move away from lack of food, we are not going to the wrong food groups,' said a Kampala-based doctor, Miriam Laker Oketta. Public health campaigns will help demystify the perception that weight is an indication of wealth, said Caroline Kisia, the Africa director for Project ECHO, an information-sharing platform for healthcare workers. Gyms, weight loss drugs and surgeries are being increasingly advertised in Kenya. But approaches such as the Ozempic weight-loss drug have left some users like Caroline Havi dissatisfied. She said she turned to a one-meal-a-day diet instead and hopes to eventually reduce her weight from 105 kilograms to 70 'without spending so much." In South Africa, obesity-related deaths due to non-communicable diseases have surpassed HIV-related deaths, according to the WHO. The 2025 World Obesity Atlas said 32% of South Africa's adults are obese. The perception that weight is a symbol of wealth is slowly changing, said Rebone Ntsie, nutrition director at the National Department of Health. 'There are those who still see it like that, but people are also seeing the dangers and its no longer celebrated as a sign of dignity, beauty, respect, social status," she said. ___ Associated Press journalist Michelle Gumede contributed from Johannesburg, South Africa. —— This story has been corrected to fix the name of the Africa director for Project ECHO to Caroline Kisia. ___
24-05-2025
- Health
Some Africans have long seen a big belly as a sign of wealth. It's killing them
NAIROBI, Kenya -- In many African cultures, a big belly has long been seen as a sign of wealth. But this perception is proving deadly as deaths due to obesity -related illnesses rise. In Kenya, overweight politicians are often called Boss or Mkubwa — Swahili for 'big man' — by constituents, with their girth symbolizing prosperity. Younger politicians, including the governors of Nairobi and Mombasa, have begun speaking publicly about weight loss. Obesity contributes to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, which have become Kenya's leading cause of death. The health ministry says they are responsible for 39% of fatalities annually. In a country where the government has said almost a third of the population is still unable to fulfill food needs, 13% adults are obese, according to the 2025 World Obesity Atlas. The contrast highlights the country's growing inequality and the popularity of fast and processed foods by those with rising incomes. Perceptions about obesity can affect financial and other decisions. In neighboring Uganda, microfinance institutions vetted loan applicants based on their weight, and those overweight were considered more able to repay loans, according to a study published by the American Economic Review in 2023. 'Most people feel like when I start making money, I have to look like the money itself by being fat or obese,' said Kenyan nutritionist Felix Okoth. 'They however don't realize that they are predisposing themselves to these lifestyle conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.' The World Health Organization's Africa director has called the rising trend a 'ticking time bomb" for the continent with the world's youngest and fastest growing population. Some are trying to change the conversation around weight. A former senator in Kenya, Cleophas Malala, has described how a 15-hour flight to the U.S. left him in pain and how doctors advised him to reduce. From a starting weight of 138 kilograms (304 pounds), he embarked on a non-solid diet for 90 days. Though he didn't disclose his current weight, before-and-after photos show him noticeably slimmer. 'My colleagues in parliament were mad that I left the 'club' after I lost weight,' the 39-year-old has said. Stephen Ogweno, who had childhood obesity and later became a public health advocate, said most Kenyan legislators don't see the issue as a problem. 'These discussions are held in parliament where most MPs have big bellies, and so admitting that it concerns them, too, would be a good place to start,' he said, Kenyan President William Ruto has spoken publicly about the need to be fit for work. He had to reassure Kenyans in 2023 that he was okay after online speculation about his health following weight loss. 'I decided to cut it down because the task ahead was not easy,' he told journalists. Increasing incomes, proliferation of fast-food outlets in urban areas, sedentary lifestyles and lack of infrastructure that promotes physical activity have been named as probable causes of rising obesity in developing countries. 'We need to make sure that when we move away from lack of food, we are not going to the wrong food groups,' said a Kampala-based doctor, Miriam Laker Oketta. Public health campaigns will help demystify the perception that weight is an indication of wealth, said Caroline Kirui, the Africa director for Project ECHO, an information-sharing platform for healthcare workers. Gyms, weight loss drugs and surgeries are being increasingly advertised in Kenya. But approaches such as the Ozempic weight-loss drug have left some users like Caroline Havi dissatisfied. She said she turned to a one-meal-a-day diet instead and hopes to eventually reduce her weight from 105 kilograms to 70 'without spending so much." In South Africa, obesity-related deaths due to non-communicable diseases have surpassed HIV-related deaths, according to the WHO. The 2025 World Obesity Atlas said 32% of South Africa's adults are obese. The perception that weight is a symbol of wealth is slowly changing, said Rebone Ntsie, nutrition director at the National Department of Health. 'There are those who still see it like that, but people are also seeing the dangers and its no longer celebrated as a sign of dignity, beauty, respect, social status," she said.
Hamilton Spectator
24-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Some Africans have long seen a big belly as a sign of wealth. It's killing them
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — In many African cultures, a big belly has long been seen as a sign of wealth. But this perception is proving deadly as deaths due to obesity -related illnesses rise. In Kenya , overweight politicians are often called Boss or Mkubwa — Swahili for 'big man' — by constituents, with their girth symbolizing prosperity. Younger politicians, including the governors of Nairobi and Mombasa, have begun speaking publicly about weight loss. Obesity contributes to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, which have become Kenya's leading cause of death. The health ministry says they are responsible for 39% of fatalities annually. In a country where the government has said almost a third of the population is still unable to fulfill food needs, 13% adults are obese, according to the 2025 World Obesity Atlas. The contrast highlights the country's growing inequality and the popularity of fast and processed foods by those with rising incomes. Perceptions about obesity can affect financial and other decisions. In neighboring Uganda, microfinance institutions vetted loan applicants based on their weight, and those overweight were considered more able to repay loans, according to a study published by the American Economic Review in 2023. 'Most people feel like when I start making money, I have to look like the money itself by being fat or obese,' said Kenyan nutritionist Felix Okoth. 'They however don't realize that they are predisposing themselves to these lifestyle conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.' The World Health Organization's Africa director has called the rising trend a 'ticking time bomb' for the continent with the world's youngest and fastest growing population. Some are trying to change the conversation around weight. A former senator in Kenya, Cleophas Malala, has described how a 15-hour flight to the U.S. left him in pain and how doctors advised him to reduce. From a starting weight of 138 kilograms (304 pounds), he embarked on a non-solid diet for 90 days. Though he didn't disclose his current weight, before-and-after photos show him noticeably slimmer. 'My colleagues in parliament were mad that I left the 'club' after I lost weight,' the 39-year-old has said. Stephen Ogweno, who had childhood obesity and later became a public health advocate, said most Kenyan legislators don't see the issue as a problem. 'These discussions are held in parliament where most MPs have big bellies, and so admitting that it concerns them, too, would be a good place to start,' he said, Kenyan President William Ruto has spoken publicly about the need to be fit for work. He had to reassure Kenyans in 2023 that he was okay after online speculation about his health following weight loss. 'I decided to cut it down because the task ahead was not easy,' he told journalists. Increasing incomes, proliferation of fast-food outlets in urban areas, sedentary lifestyles and lack of infrastructure that promotes physical activity have been named as probable causes of rising obesity in developing countries. 'We need to make sure that when we move away from lack of food, we are not going to the wrong food groups,' said a Kampala-based doctor, Miriam Laker Oketta. Public health campaigns will help demystify the perception that weight is an indication of wealth, said Caroline Kirui, the Africa director for Project ECHO, an information-sharing platform for healthcare workers. Gyms, weight loss drugs and surgeries are being increasingly advertised in Kenya. But approaches such as the Ozempic weight-loss drug have left some users like Caroline Havi dissatisfied. She said she turned to a one-meal-a-day diet instead and hopes to eventually reduce her weight from 105 kilograms to 70 'without spending so much.' In South Africa, obesity-related deaths due to non-communicable diseases have surpassed HIV-related deaths, according to the WHO. The 2025 World Obesity Atlas said 32% of South Africa's adults are obese. The perception that weight is a symbol of wealth is slowly changing, said Rebone Ntsie, nutrition director at the National Department of Health. 'There are those who still see it like that, but people are also seeing the dangers and its no longer celebrated as a sign of dignity, beauty, respect, social status,' she said. ___ Associated Press journalist Michelle Gumede contributed from Johannesburg, South Africa. ___ For more on Africa and development: The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at .
Winnipeg Free Press
24-05-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Some Africans have long seen a big belly as a sign of wealth. It's killing them
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — In many African cultures, a big belly has long been seen as a sign of wealth. But this perception is proving deadly as deaths due to obesity -related illnesses rise. In Kenya, overweight politicians are often called Boss or Mkubwa — Swahili for 'big man' — by constituents, with their girth symbolizing prosperity. Younger politicians, including the governors of Nairobi and Mombasa, have begun speaking publicly about weight loss. Obesity contributes to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, which have become Kenya's leading cause of death. The health ministry says they are responsible for 39% of fatalities annually. In a country where the government has said almost a third of the population is still unable to fulfill food needs, 13% adults are obese, according to the 2025 World Obesity Atlas. The contrast highlights the country's growing inequality and the popularity of fast and processed foods by those with rising incomes. Perceptions about obesity can affect financial and other decisions. In neighboring Uganda, microfinance institutions vetted loan applicants based on their weight, and those overweight were considered more able to repay loans, according to a study published by the American Economic Review in 2023. 'Most people feel like when I start making money, I have to look like the money itself by being fat or obese,' said Kenyan nutritionist Felix Okoth. 'They however don't realize that they are predisposing themselves to these lifestyle conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.' The World Health Organization's Africa director has called the rising trend a 'ticking time bomb' for the continent with the world's youngest and fastest growing population. Some are trying to change the conversation around weight. A former senator in Kenya, Cleophas Malala, has described how a 15-hour flight to the U.S. left him in pain and how doctors advised him to reduce. From a starting weight of 138 kilograms (304 pounds), he embarked on a non-solid diet for 90 days. Though he didn't disclose his current weight, before-and-after photos show him noticeably slimmer. 'My colleagues in parliament were mad that I left the 'club' after I lost weight,' the 39-year-old has said. Stephen Ogweno, who had childhood obesity and later became a public health advocate, said most Kenyan legislators don't see the issue as a problem. 'These discussions are held in parliament where most MPs have big bellies, and so admitting that it concerns them, too, would be a good place to start,' he said, Kenyan President William Ruto has spoken publicly about the need to be fit for work. He had to reassure Kenyans in 2023 that he was okay after online speculation about his health following weight loss. 'I decided to cut it down because the task ahead was not easy,' he told journalists. Increasing incomes, proliferation of fast-food outlets in urban areas, sedentary lifestyles and lack of infrastructure that promotes physical activity have been named as probable causes of rising obesity in developing countries. 'We need to make sure that when we move away from lack of food, we are not going to the wrong food groups,' said a Kampala-based doctor, Miriam Laker Oketta. Public health campaigns will help demystify the perception that weight is an indication of wealth, said Caroline Kirui, the Africa director for Project ECHO, an information-sharing platform for healthcare workers. Gyms, weight loss drugs and surgeries are being increasingly advertised in Kenya. But approaches such as the Ozempic weight-loss drug have left some users like Caroline Havi dissatisfied. She said she turned to a one-meal-a-day diet instead and hopes to eventually reduce her weight from 105 kilograms to 70 'without spending so much.' In South Africa, obesity-related deaths due to non-communicable diseases have surpassed HIV-related deaths, according to the WHO. The 2025 World Obesity Atlas said 32% of South Africa's adults are obese. The perception that weight is a symbol of wealth is slowly changing, said Rebone Ntsie, nutrition director at the National Department of Health. 'There are those who still see it like that, but people are also seeing the dangers and its no longer celebrated as a sign of dignity, beauty, respect, social status,' she said. Wednesdays A weekly look towards a post-pandemic future. ___ Associated Press journalist Michelle Gumede contributed from Johannesburg, South Africa. ___ For more on Africa and development: The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
