Former Dean of the School of Public Health at KNUST, Professor Sam Newton, has warned that obesity now represents the greatest threat to health, with rates doubling over the past two decades.

He made this statement during a webinar organised by the KNUST Wellness Centre to promote the “Eat Green” awareness campaign.

Speaking on the topic “Does Being Overweight and Obese Matter”, Professor Newton explained that poor diet contributes more to obesity than other risk factors like physical inactivity and smoking.

He emphasised that behaviour and environmental factors play a significant role in the development of obesity, making prevention and lifestyle change a top priority in combating the condition.

He further revealed that obesity often runs in families, with a 40% risk if one parent is obese and up to 80% if both are.

He pointed to a global shift in eating habits, including the increased consumption of processed foods high in sugar, fat, and calories, alongside a reduced intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

“There is a global shift in how we eat which includes processed foods, higher sugar, fat and calories and reduced intake of vitamins and minerals and these are the causes of obesity. Behaviour and environment appear to play a large role in the development of obesity and are often the focused on for prevention and treatment options,” he advised.

As part of the broader initiative, the KNUST Wellness Centre launched the Eat Green Challenge, a one-week interactive activity that encouraged the university community to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diets.

This campaign forms part of the Centre’s wider mission to promote healthy living and empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed lifestyle choices.