South Africa is experiencing an increase in obesity-related conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes

Cerebrovascular diseases, which cause strokes, and diabetes are the fourth- and fifth-leading causes of death in South Africa. Ischemic heart diseases, which can cause artery blockage and heart attacks, are the 10th-leading cause behind HIV, which is ninth-leading killer. The influx of people to urban areas has caused major dietary shifts that are more starchy, sugary, fatty and salty and feature bigger portions. In townships, predominantly black communities located outside cities, being overweight does not carry negative connotations. About 56% of women and 29% of men in South Africa were reported to be overweight or obese, according to a 2003 national survey, echoing similar findings from a 1998 report.