Preventing an increase in overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age in Togo

By 2030, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene and other sectoral ministries, with the support of their partners, are committed to strengthening prevention activities to stem the spread of overweight and obesity in order to maintain a prevalence of overweight and obesity below 31% among women aged 15 to 49. In Togo, between 2010 and 2021, out of the total population, overweight increased by 4 points and obesity by 5 points. Women are significantly more affected than men. (STEPS 2021). So far, the attention of nutrition stakeholders has mainly focused on the issues of undernutrition; Today, the available data justify strengthening the implementation of the strategic plan in order to limit the progression of overweight and obesity, which could include: Information, education and communication (IEC) actions for a change in eating behavior: encouraging the limitation of the consumption of sugary drinks, saturated fats, overly salty foods and encouraging the consumption of fruits and vegetables and the practice of physical activities. These actions could be carried out in schools, or in communications for the general public, for example during the national sports day institutionalised by the government in 2022. Monitoring of indicators reflecting the mechanisms of dietary transition (monitoring and analysis of the evolution of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the different age groups during the next national surveys