Mixed
Over an 8-year period, middle-aged adults of African origin across diverse geographic and socioeconomic settings experienced significant increases in the prevalence and incidence of obesity, high blood glucose, and high blood pressure, with the steepest increases occurring in low- and middle-income countries (Ghana, Jamaica, Seychelles) compared to the USA.
If you are of African descent, your risk for obesity, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure is actively increasing as you age, regardless of whether you live in a wealthy or developing country. The rate of increase is often faster in lower-income settings. This is not inevitable fate but a result of environmental and lifestyle shifts; proactive monitoring and lifestyle interventions are critical to mitigate this rising risk.
The risk of obesity, high blood glucose and high blood pressure increased among middle-aged individuals over 8 years; in Ghana, Jamaica and Seychelles, the change in obesity and high blood pressure risk was statistically significantly greater than in the USA.
Why this rating
Longitudinal cohort study with standardized measurements across five sites, though attrition was high and complete-case analysis was used.
Source
Eight-year prevalence and incidence of obesity, high blood glucose and high blood pressure in five African-origin populations: data from the Modeling the Epidemiologic Transition Study
Larske M. Soepnel et al. · BMJ Public Health · 2026
DOI 10.1136/bmjph-2025-003427
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