Obesity crisis in Morocco: alarming projections for 2030

Obesity is emerging as a significant health concern in Morocco, affecting an increasing number of adults each year. According to the latest World Obesity Atlas report, released on March 4 in conjunction with World Obesity Day, 59% of Moroccan adults currently have a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 25 kilograms per square meter, a benchmark associated with overweight and obesity.

The health implications of this trend are serious. In 2021 alone, Morocco recorded 16,524 premature deaths attributed to conditions related to elevated BMI, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and various cancers. The toll of obesity-related chronic diseases has resulted in the loss of 366,828 years of healthy life, underscoring the mounting strain on public health systems.

Forecasts for 2030 present an even more alarming scenario. It is predicted that 24% of Moroccan adults could fall into the obese category, translating to approximately 16.86 million individuals with excessive weight. Women are particularly at risk, with estimates suggesting that 9.94 million will be affected, compared to 6.91 million men.

Despite the severity of the issue, Morocco has yet to establish comprehensive national strategies to combat obesity or encourage physical activity. The prevalence of sedentary lifestyles is concerning, with 20% to 30% of adults reporting insufficient physical movement in their daily routines.

Experts advocate for immediate intervention, emphasizing that obesity often stems from deeper socioeconomic challenges, including dietary habits, urbanization, and restricted access to recreational facilities. The discourse surrounding obesity should focus on health implications rather than body image or fat shaming, as the condition significantly raises the risk of serious ailments like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, adversely affecting both quality of life and life expectancy.

In conservative Moroccan society, social barriers can further exacerbate the problem, especially for women. A lack of dedicated spaces for women to exercise in public presents substantial obstacles to leading an active lifestyle. Rising healthcare costs, social stigma, and difficulties in accessing treatment complicate weight management for many individuals. Without robust policies and increased public awareness, Morocco risks witnessing a further escalation of this critical health issue in the coming years.