Abuakwa South MP leads groundbreaking study on obesity intervention gaps in Sub-Saharan Africa

A significant international study led by Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, MP for Abuakwa South, reveals a major gap in obesity research in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

The study is titled “Effectiveness of Obesity Interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.” It was recently published in PLOS ONE, a high-impact peer-reviewed journal.

The research emphasizes the urgent need for tailored public health strategies. Although obesity rates are rising rapidly across Africa, local evidence is lacking. This absence hampers effective policy and intervention development.

The study reviewed over 419,000 academic records but found only seven eligible studies. All these studies came from South Africa. This highlights the critical lack of data from other SSA countries and calls for more inclusive research.

Dr. Agyemang plays a key role in this effort. His dual position as legislator and academic helps bridge research and policymaking in Ghana and beyond. His leadership has drawn attention to the growing obesity crisis.

“Sub-Saharan Africa faces an obesity epidemic,” Dr. Agyemang stated. “We lack the evidence base needed for effective policies.” He stressed the importance of context-specific solutions to tackle this issue.

The meta-analysis showed that structured physical activity programs significantly reduced overweight and obesity rates by about 34%. However, these interventions did not significantly affect waist circumference, an important marker of abdominal obesity.

Due to the limited geographical scope of the studies, Dr. Agyemang called for broader country-specific research efforts. “Our findings provide only a limited perspective,” he warned. “All qualifying studies were from one country, highlighting the challenge we face.”

Much of Sub-Saharan Africa lacks data on evidence-based obesity prevention strategies.

Besides physical activity, the study also looked at health education and micronutrient supplementation interventions. However, limited data made it hard to assess their long-term effectiveness conclusively.

The review also found a widespread lack of sustainability planning among existing interventions—an area needing urgent attention.

Professor Peter Agyei-Baffour from KNUST praised the study's contributions to public health. He noted that with obesity threatening health outcomes and economic development in SSA, relying on borrowed models is no longer viable. The study is crucial for developing a robust local evidence base.

The findings are gaining traction in public health and policy circles. Dr. Agyemang is emerging as a leading voice at the intersection of science and governance through his role as MP.

“This goes beyond academic research,” Dr. Agyemang concluded. “It’s about using knowledge to influence policy and create healthier futures.”

The full study is available upon request as a valuable resource for academics, practitioners, and policymakers aiming to implement effective obesity interventions across Sub-Saharan Africa.