Obesity Rates Soar in Morocco: 1 in 5 Adults Now Obese, Survey Finds

According to data from the 2017-2018 National Survey on Common Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases, the incidence of overweight in adults over 20 is 53%, of which 20% are obese. Obesity is more prevalent in urban areas (22.8%) than in rural areas (14.9%).

Specifically, it was detected in 29% of women, three times more than men (11%). The Ministry of Health also points out that the prevalence of obesity has increased by 34% between 2004 and 2017.

According to Professor Jaâfar Heikel, an epidemiological nutritionist physician, "the Ministry of Health has shown that one in five adults suffers from obesity in Morocco. It is not only related to a nutritional imbalance, but it is a multifactorial disease."

Among these factors, the specialist cites as an example, "the imbalance of energy expenditure or lack of physical activity, genetic problems, the existence of other diseases..." "It is very important to understand this multifactorial dimension of obesity which is linked to the organic but also to the socioeconomic environment and the psychological situation," says Prof. Heikel.

To prevent this disease, a collective of Moroccan doctors recommends acting at all levels very early, that is to say "teaching the child, from birth, good eating habits and adopting a multidimensional and integrated approach during the different cycles of life".