​As much as it has been normalised especially in the African culture that "chubby" children are well-taken care of, children who grow up obese into adulthood stand a high chance having health complications such as diabetes, cancers, cardiovascular diseases and osteoarthritis.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of overweight children under 5 years has increased by nearly 23% since the year 2000 in Africa, while across the globe, over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5 - 19 years were overweight in 2022. 
Obesity is a chronic complex disease defined by excessive fat deposits that does not only result in health complications in adulthood but poor health in childhood as well, including hypertension and metabolic disorders. Obese children also tend to have low self-esteem and higher likelihood of being bullied in school and community. 
In an effort to tackle obesity, a public health crisis that is burdening the public healthcare system, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) in collaboration with Novo Nordisk and the City of Johannesburg have resolved to introduce sustainable interventions to address the rising obesity crisis.
This commitment was made during the two-day World Obesity Day Summit that was held between 04 – 05 March 2024 in Johannesburg aimed at promoting preventative measures to tackle obesity such as encouraging healthier lifestyles through health promotion campaigns and accessible healthcare services. 
While addressing the summit, MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko stressed the urgent need tackle obesity which is fuelling non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mentioning that in childhood, it is not just about appearance but the risk of increased chronic medical conditions.
"In Gauteng, we are already seeing the impact of obesity-related conditions on the healthcare system. Recent statistics from the GDoH show an alarming rise in non-communicable diseases NCDs, particularly diabetes, hypertension and strokes. Our hospitals are reporting increased admissions due to complications related to lifestyle diseases, many of which stem from obesity," said the MEC, concerned. 
South Africa's selection as one of six countries globally in the Cities for Better Health Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative (CBH COPI), led by Novo Nordisk, highlights the urgency of the issue. With 13% of South African children aged 6-14 overweight or obese, Johannesburg has been identified as a key focus area for interventions that aim to promote healthier lifestyles. 
Vice President and General Manager of Novo Nordisk South Africa, Sara Norcross, emphasised the need for long-term, community-driven solutions. "Tackling childhood obesity requires sustainable interventions that empower families, schools, and local governments to support healthier lifestyles. We are excited to work alongside the Gauteng Department of Health to create lasting impact," said Norcross.
Preventing obesity in children is beneficial to their health and wellbeing, both in childhood and continuing into adulthood. It starts with parents prioritising nutrition of their children such as food items with less sugar, encouraging playtime outdoors doing physical activity instead of watching or playing TV games, and monitoring what they eat at school. 
The GDoH is already leveraging its outreach campaigns to educate communities on healthy living and the importance of primary healthcare facilities where dietitians are available. The department is doping this through the Wellness Wednesday programme which encourages physical activity amongst communities and the Corner to Corner and Siza' Kuwe campaigns that are taking health services to the doorstep of communities and encouraging prevention better which is better than cure.