Aug 1, 2026 | News
that behind
that behind
Benjamin Olorunfemi
For many years, Nigerians viewed carrying extra weight as a sign of wealth and good living. Today, our lifestyles are changing rapidly. More people are moving to busy cities, sitting for longer hours at desk jobs or in traffic, and eating highly processed packaged foods instead of our traditional, fresh home-cooked meals.
Because of these changes, overweight and obesity have become a nationwide health crisis, affecting over 33 million Nigerian adults. Carrying too much weight is not a personal failure or a matter of willpower; it is a complex health condition that silently damages the body over time.
Understanding the Terms: Overweight vs. Obesity
Healthcare providers use a tool called “body mass index” (BMI) to see if a person’s weight is healthy for their height. It is calculated using a simple formula based on our height and weight.
While individual body types vary, the world standard health categories are broken down into clear ranges:
- Health Category
- BMI Range
- What it Means
Normal Weight: Healthy weight for your height.
18.5 – 24.9
Overweight – Carrying extra weight from fat, muscle, or water.
25.0 – 29.9
Class 1 Obesity – Excess body fat that actively begins to affect health.
30.0 – 34.9
Class 2 Obesity – Higher fat accumulation; increased medical risks.
35.0 – 39.9
Class 3 Obesity – Severe weight levels require urgent medical attention.
40.0 or higher
Note:
- Overweight means a person weighs more than what is considered healthy for their height.
- Obesity is a chronic, long-term disease where excessive body fat accumulates to the point that it actively harms internal organs.
Why is This Happening?
Weight gain fundamentally happens when the body takes in more calories from food and drinks than it burns off through daily movement. However, this imbalance is driven by a mix of real-world factors:
- The changing environment where modern cities lack safe parks or walkable pathways. Meanwhile, processed foods, sugary soft drinks, and cheap instant noodles have flooded local markets.
- Genetics and biology as one family DNA strongly affectfamily’show our body stores fat and signals when we are full or hungry.
- Daily stress and poor sleep change our body chemistry, making it easier to gain weight.
- Health Conditions & Medications like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or certain medications for blood pressure and depression can trigger weight gain.
The Chronic Disease Connection:
In its early stages, carrying extra weight might not cause any pain. However, it acts as a silent trigger for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), illnesses that cannot be passed from person to person but cause 29% of all deaths in Nigeria.
Note this silent link! Women are disproportionately affected by this crisis. Nationally, female obesity rates exceed 15.7% compared to 5.9% for men, with the highest rates found in urban hubs like Lagos, Abuja…
As excess weight builds up, it can cause visible warning signs like persistent shortness of breath, joint and knee pain, heavy sweating, and loud snoring (sleep apnoea). Inside the body, it causes severe, long-term complications:
- High blood pressure & stroke, where extra fat tissue forces the heart to pump harder, damaging blood vessels and heavily raising the risk of heart attacks.
- Type 2 diabetes where excess fat causes insulin resistance, meaning the body can no longer properly process blood sugar.
- Joint Damage: Carrying heavy weight wears down joint cartilage, causing chronic back, hip, and knee pain.
- Cancer risks where long-term inflammation from excess fat increases the risk of breast, colon, and liver cancers.
How to Take Control:
Managing your weight is a long-term journey. You do not have to do it alone—medical teams, including registered dietitians, doctors, and specialists, are trained to build safe, realistic plans for you.
Know your numbers; that is, get screened.
Visit a local health centre or a community outreach booth to check your weight, BMI, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Early checking saves lives because diabetes and high blood pressure often have no early symptoms.
Reclaim the Traditional Nigerian Plate:
Move away from fast food and sugary drinks. Use the healthy plate rule: fill half your plate with vegetables (like efo, utazi, or garden eggs), one-quarter with healthy protein (beans, fish, chicken, or eggs), and one-quarter with local complex carbohydrates (unprocessed rice, yam, or garri).
Keep Your Body Moving:
Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity, like brisk walking, 5 days a week. Walk while taking phone calls, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and reduce long hours of sitting.
Seek Professional and Peer Support:
Consult a dietitian for a personalised meal plan that fits your budget. If lifestyle changes are not enough, doctors can discuss medical treatments or bariatric surgery for severe cases.
Since 2017, the Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) has been working tirelessly to fight the rise of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in Nigeria. At ROHSI we focus on helping the most vulnerable, which includes women, children, and older adults who live in hard-to-reach communities where medical care is scarce.
In these past years:
We have brought healthcare to the doorstep of the hard-to-reach community that cuts across states in Nigeria, providing free screenings, health education, medication, referrals, and follow-up.
Created a community where people living with obesity, hypertension, and diabetes can share their experiences, keep each other motivated, and learn together.
Trains community volunteers to teach their neighbours about healthy living, ensuring vital information reaches even the most remote areas.
On World Obesity Day 2026, under the global theme “8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity”, we reminded the nation that 1 in 5 Nigerian adults is living with obesity. That true change requires action from everyone—from individuals choosing fresh local foods to the government strictly enforcing policies like the sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax and clear front-of-pack food labels.
Remember that, behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community. Together, you and I can change the story of obesity in Nigeria.”
Mar 28, 2026 | News
Hello to our ROHSI community members. We know that when our hands start to shake, it can be frustrating and a little scary. Whether it’s a slight flutter when we’re holding a cup of tea or a more noticeable shake when we’re resting, our body is trying to tell us something.
Types of Tremors:
Rest Tremor! Occurs when muscles are relaxed, often associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Action Tremor! Occurs during movement (e.g., reaching, writing). This includes essential tremor, which is the most common form.
Postural Tremor! Occurs when holding a position against gravity, such as holding an arm out.
While many tremors are harmless, persistent shaking is a signal that deserves our attention. Here is a breakdown of what might be happening and how we can take control of our health.
Common Reasons Our Hands Might Shake
Not all tremors are created equal. Understanding the “why” is the first step toward finding relief.
• Lifestyle Triggers! High stress, anxiety, or too much caffeine can overstimulate our nervous system. Even a lack of sleep or low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) can lead to the jitters.
• Essential Tremor! This is one of the most common neurological conditions. It usually happens when using our hands (like tying shoelaces) rather than when they are resting. It often runs in families.
• Medication Side Effects! Certain asthma meds, antidepressants, or even some seizure medications can cause shakiness as a side effect.
• Neurological Conditions! In some cases, tremors can be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease (usually a “resting tremor”) or multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Thyroid Issues! An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) speeds up our body’s metabolism, which can manifest as a fine tremble in the hands.
Why Does Tracking Matter?
The most important thing we can do for our doctor is to provide a “map” of our symptoms. Because tremors can come and go, our observations are more valuable than a single 15-minute checkup.
What to track in a simple notebook:
· When does it happen, e.g., while eating, while resting, or when I’m nervous?
· What does it feel like, e.g., a rhythmic shake or a tiny twitch?
· What did I eat/drink, e.g., did I just have my third cup of coffee?
· Are there other symptoms, e.g., dizziness, sweating, or muscle weakness?
When to see a doctor:
While at ROHSI, we aim to provide support and education; we are a community and not a clinic. Please advise that you reach out to a healthcare professional if
• The tremor starts suddenly or gets worse quickly.
• It interferes with our daily life – eating, writing, or working.
• We notice changes in our gait – how we walk or balance.
A Note of Hope from us at ROHSI! Most hand tremors are manageable. Once the cause is identified, treatments ranging from simple lifestyle changes to physical therapy or medication can significantly improve our quality of life.
So have a sit or dialogue with your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of the symptoms we talked about. Here at Rays of Hope Support Initiative, our mission is to support one another through every tremor and triumph. By understanding our bodies, sharing our stories, and seeking help without shame, we find our strength.
ROHSI management team.
Mar 12, 2026 | News
Friends and family! Join us at ROHSI in marking World Kidney Day 2026!
Today, March 12, 2026, we’re coming together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of World Kidney Day! This year’s theme is “Kidney Health for All – Caring for People, Protecting the Planet”.
As we mark this important day, we’re reminded that kidney health is everyone’s business. In Nigeria, kidney disease is a growing concern, affecting millions of people. But there’s hope! By taking care of our kidneys, we can reduce the risk of kidney disease and promote overall health.
Why should we care?
* 1 in 10 people worldwide have kidney disease.
* In Nigeria, kidney disease is becoming a leading cause of death.
* Environmental factors like pollution and climate change increase kidney disease risk.
* Early detection and prevention can slow or stop kidney disease progression.
What can you do? Join us in acting against kidney disease in Nigeria. by:
* Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.
* Reduce your exposure to environmental toxins.
* Support kidney health initiatives
* Advocate for policies promoting kidney health and sustainability
At ROHSI, we’re committed to promoting kidney health and environmental sustainability. We will continue to share health tips and resources, seek collaborations and share success stories to support individuals on their health journeys.
Let’s act now! We don’t have to wait till we start having health complications related to kidney-related issues before we go for screening or sit with our medical providers.
Healthy kidneys mean a healthier you and a healthier planet for all of us. This we know: together we can create that healthier Nigerian future for all Nigerians!
#WorldKidneyDay #KidneyHealthForAll #ROHSI #KidneyAwareness #HealthyLiving #Sustainability #NigeriaHealth
Mar 4, 2026 | News
Join ROHSI in marking World Obesity Day 2026!
Today, March 4, 2026, people around the world will unite to raise awareness about the growing obesity crisis. The theme for this year’s World Obesity Day is “8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity”.
The 2026 World Obesity Day theme serves as a powerful reminder that obesity is not just an individual issue but a global challenge affecting every one of the 8 billion people on the planet, whether directly or through strained healthcare systems and economies. The statistics are stark: currently, over 1 billion people live with obesity, and by 2035, over half the global population will be living with overweight or obesity.
For Nigeria, these global figures translate into a pressing national crisis. Once considered a problem of high-income countries, obesity is rapidly rising in low- and middle-income nations like ours. As of 2020, Nigeria was already home to an estimated 21 million overweight and 12 million obese adults. This increases the risk of serious health issues like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers.
At ROHSI, we are committed to promoting healthy living and addressing obesity in our communities. The theme “8 billion Reasons” implies that every single person has a role to play.
So, we all need to know:
* Obesity affects 1 in 8 people worldwide.
* In Nigeria, 1 in 5 adults is living with obesity.
* Obesity is linked to serious health complications.
* Early intervention and prevention can save lives.
So, join us in taking action!
* Share your health story or a loved one’s journey with obesity.
* Learn about healthy eating and active living.
* Support obesity awareness initiatives
* Advocate for policies promoting healthy environments
As we are committed to being a beacon of light, providing health education, advocating for justice, and supporting those affected. Let’s work together to create a healthier future for all Nigerians! Let us remember that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community. Together, with 8 billion reasons to act, we can change the story of obesity in Nigeria. Join the Movement. Share Your Reason. Act Today.
#WorldObesityDay #8BillionReasons #ROHSI #ObesityAwareness #HealthyLiving #NigeriaHealth #Obesity #Nigeria #ROHSI3 #Ibadan #Dedoc #Diabetes #hypertension #Cancers #FMoH #NPHCDA #WHO_Nigeria #WHO #Healthlyleaving #HealthyLifestyles #NCDAlliance #Healthcare
Nov 14, 2025 | News
Benjamin Olorunfemi.
November 14th marks World Diabetes Day (WDD), a global awareness campaign led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). This year’s theme, “Diabetes and Well-being”, focuses on the impact of diabetes in the workplace, with the slogan “Know more and do more for diabetes at work.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 830 million people worldwide live with diabetes, with the prevalence increasing rapidly, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, an estimated 3.6 to 11 million adults have diabetes, with over 54% remaining undiagnosed.
Millions of people with diabetes face daily challenges managing their condition in the workplace, including stigma, discrimination, and exclusion, which negatively impact their well-being. Research has shown that:
– 7 to 10 people living with diabetes are of working age.
– 3 to 4 people living with diabetes experience anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition due to their diabetes.
– 4 to 5 people living with diabetes experience diabetes burnout
As we mark WDD 2025, we urge the global community and employers to support people living with diabetes and those at risk in the workplace. We encourage everyone to “know more and do more” to promote diabetes awareness, prevention, and management.
Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) invites you to join us in raising awareness and advocating for diabetes. Participate in a diabetes walk, organise a community event, or support organisations providing essential services to people living with diabetes.
Take action today:
– Learn more about diabetes and its impact on well-being.
– Support diabetes awareness initiatives
– Encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles
– Advocate for inclusive and supportive workplaces
Your health and well-being matter. Join us in creating a world where people living with diabetes can thrive. If you are unsure of your diabetes status, we encourage you to consult with your healthcare provider. Together, we can create a better DiabetesLife.
Oct 1, 2025 | News
Benjamin Olorunfemi
As we celebrate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, I envision a nation where every citizen has access to quality healthcare, regardless of economic status, geographic location, tribe, or language. A Nigeria where leaders genuinely prioritise the health and well-being of their citizens, recognising that a healthy populace is fundamental to the country’s future.
I envision a Nigeria where citizens can access essential healthcare services without facing financial hardship. This is known to be possible through a well-structured healthcare system that is robust and available at all levels, from local community clinics to tertiary institutions.
In this country of mine (Nigeria), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer will not be subjects of debate but conditions that are easily and early detected and managed effectively to prevent complications and premature deaths. Where the cost of medication will be affordable for all citizens, encouraging them to seek medical attention when needed and consistently adhere to their treatment plans.
I foresee a nation where health policies are designed to make a tangible, positive impact on citizens’ lives, moving beyond mere existence on paper. Where policymakers and the government will demonstrate a genuine commitment to serving the healthcare needs of citizens, setting aside personal interests.
A noble country where citizens prioritise their own health by making informed choices about their diet, lifestyle, and healthcare-seeking behaviours.
My country will boast modern, well-equipped healthcare facilities that not only provide quality care to citizens but also become a source of health tourism. Furthermore, I can see a country where citizens will have access to reliable, empowering health information that enables them to make informed decisions about their well-being.
As we celebrate this Independence Day, I see my country becoming a beacon of hope for healthcare in Africa, attracting global recognition. A Nigeria where NCDs, like other health issues, are no longer a leading cause of death, and citizens live healthy, productive lives. This is my dream for Nigeria as we celebrate our independence.
Happy Independence Day to every Nigerian!
