The Hunger Games
- Sana Lifestyle
- Jan 23
- 2 min read
Why does nutrition matter? Food provides your body and mind with what they need to thrive, influencing your vitality, productivity, and quality of life at every stage. It also contributes towards:
Disease Prevention
Energy & Performance
Stronger Immunity
Mental Health
Growth & Development
Weight Management
Recovery
Statistics
- 69%of South African women (aged 15+) are overweight or obese.
- 20% of women are severely obese.
- Obesity is particularly high among black African women, with prevalence increasing from 51.3% to 60% between 1988 and 2017.
- 10% of women aged 15–24 already classified as obese.
- KwaZulu-Natal has shown a higher prevalence of obesity (39.4%) compared to other provinces.
- 69% of obese adults live in food-insecure households, where limited choices force consumption of low-nutrient, high-fat, and high-sugar foods.
- South African adults, consume twice the recommended amount of meat and three times less vegetables than recommended.
- Studies of low-income women found that 42.6% did not consume fruit daily, and 28.6% did not consume vegetables daily.
- While higher income is often associated with better health, studies on young urban women (18-24) showed similar rates of overweight/obesity in both high (48.4%) and low (44.8%) socioeconomic status households.
- 14.3% of adult women have diabetes.
- 30.5% of women of reproductive age (15-49) suffer from anaemia.
Common Nutrition Mistakes:
Extreme Calorie Restriction
Skipping Meals
Fear of Healthy Fats & Carbs
Falling for Fad Diets/
Quick Fixes
Misinterpreting Exercise & Food
Ignoring Micronutrients
Poor Hydration
Underestimating Protein Needs
“All or Nothing” Mindset
Relying on “Fake Health Foods”
Did You Know?
Beans have been rediscovered as a superfood - exceptional nutrient density, affordability, and significant health benefits.
Top Tips:
Eat Regularly
Prioritise Whole Foods
Stay Hydrated
Listen to Your Body
Focus on Sustainability
Incorporate Strength Training
Remember that the impact of a poor diet on our hormones, as women, is severe and can lead to a number of issues. Consult with a registered nutritionist or dietician today.
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