MP and academic Dr. Kingsley Agyemang leads study on Africa’s obesity intervention gaps

A significant international study led by Hon. Dr. Kingsley Agyemang has revealed a major gap in obesity research in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Dr. Agyemang is a Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South in Ghana and a public health lecturer at KNUST. The study, titled “Effectiveness of obesity interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analyses,” was published recently in PLOS ONE, a high-impact journal.

The research warns that despite the growing obesity crisis, effective public health strategies are lacking. It involved an extensive review of over 419,000 academic records but found only seven relevant studies from South Africa. This highlights a troubling lack of data from other SSA countries.

Dr. Agyemang's dual roles as legislator and academic help him drive research into policy. He emphasizes the urgent need for evidence-based solutions to tackle obesity in Africa. “Sub-Saharan Africa is battling an epidemic of obesity,” he stated, “but we lack the necessary evidence base.”

The meta-analysis showed that structured physical activity programs significantly reduced overweight and obesity rates by about 34%. However, these programs did not significantly impact waist circumference, which indicates abdominal obesity.

Dr. Agyemang called for more country-specific research due to the limited geographical scope of existing studies. He noted that all eligible studies came from one country, indicating much work remains to be done.

The study also assessed other interventions like health education and micronutrient supplementation but lacked sufficient data for firm conclusions on their long-term effects. Additionally, most intervention strategies lacked sustainability planning.

Prof. Peter Agyei Baffour, Dean of the School of Public Health at KNUST, praised the research as groundbreaking with important public health implications. He stressed that relying on borrowed models is insufficient as obesity threatens health outcomes and economic development in SSA.

Dr. Agyemang's findings have begun to influence public health policies, positioning him as a key voice in bridging research and governance. His role as MP allows him to transform evidence into legislative action effectively.

“This is not just about research,” Dr. Agyemang concluded. “It’s about using knowledge to influence policy and build healthier futures.” The full study is available upon request for those interested in effective obesity interventions in sub-Saharan Africa.