Abstract:
BACKGROUND : Prior evidence shows that inequalities are related to overweight and obesity
in South Africa. Using data from a recent national study, we examine the socioeconomic inequalities
associated with obesity in South Africa and the factors associated with it. METHODS : We use quantitative
data from the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1)
carried out in 2012. We estimate the concentration index (CI) to identify inequalities and decompose
the CI to explore the determinants of these inequalities. RESULTS : We confirm the existence of pro-rich
inequalities associated with obesity in South Africa. The inequalities among males are larger (CI of
0.16) than among women (CI of 0.09), though more women are obese than men. Marriage increases
the risk of obesity for women and men, while smoking decreases the risk of obesity among men
significantly. Higher education is associated with lower inequalities among females. CONCLUSIONS: We
recommend policies to focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle, including the individual’s perception
of a healthy body size and image, especially among women.
