Approximately 13% of children under five are obese. This rate is more than double the global average. Contributing factors include poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, and socio-economic disparities. Around 25% of children under five are stunted, indicating chronic undernutrition.

In this feature of Beyond the Lab, we speak about Child obesity and growth stunting are significant issues in South Africa, reflecting a complex interplay of socio-economic factors, nutrition, and health care access.

We unpack some of the primary causes of child obesity in South Africa, how socio-economic status influence the prevalence of child obesity and stunting, the role nutrition plays in addressing both child obesity and growth stunting and how parents and caregivers can be better supported to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity.

Guest: Dr. Chantell Witton, Registered dietitian, currently a lecturer at University of Witwatersrand where she serves in the division community pediatrics in the faculty of medicine.