By Ruth Serwaa Asare
The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has expressed serious concern over the rising cases of overweight and obesity among Ghanaian youth, describing it as a “growing public health concern” that requires urgent national attention.
According to the Minister, 16.1% of Ghanaian youth are overweight while 9.4% are obese, a situation he attributed to unhealthy lifestyle patterns, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity among young people. He made this known during a youth development engagement in Accra where he presented data on youth health and well being.
Mr. Opare Addo explained that the growing prevalence of overweight and obesity is strongly linked to changes in dietary habits, urbanization, and low physical activity levels. He noted that young people in cities, in particular, tend to adopt more sedentary lifestyles coupled with increased consumption of processed foods and sugary beverages, which have long-term health consequences.
He further stated that the issue cuts across gender and age lines. “Among females, 15.9% are overweight and 22.9% are classified as obese, while among males, 10.1% are overweight and 17% obese,” he revealed. He added that the risk is highest among older, more educated, and urban-residing youth, reflecting the growing lifestyle changes in Ghana’s urban centers.
“The data shows that one in six young people between ages 10 and 14 is overweight, and one in ten is obese. This is worrying, and if we do not take action, we will face a serious national health challenge in the years ahead,” the Minister cautioned.
He stressed that the government is committed to promoting healthier lifestyles through policies that encourage sports, physical education, and nutrition awareness programs in schools and communities. “Implementing early interventions can result in significant long term health benefits. We must begin to promote balanced diets, outdoor activities, and regular exercise among our youth,” he added.
Mr. Opare Addo called for collective responsibility from parents, schools, and health institutions to address the issue before it becomes a national epidemic. “The health of our youth is the strength of our nation. If we fail to act now, the cost of inaction will be too high for our future,” he said.
