Fried chicken and sugary drinks: Tanzania battles a growing obesity problem

**Lead**

Tanzania, a country traditionally known for its high rates of malnutrition and food insecurity, is now grappling with a rapidly growing obesity crisis. The surge in consumption of fried chicken and sugary drinks, driven by urbanisation, rising incomes and aggressive marketing by multinational food companies, has put the East African nation at the forefront of a global nutrition transition. Health authorities and international organisations warn that without urgent intervention, the dual burden of undernutrition and obesity will overwhelm an already strained healthcare system.

**Context**

For decades, Tanzania’s public health narrative has centred on stunting, wasting and micronutrient deficiencies among children. However, shifting dietary patterns in urban and peri-urban areas are reshaping the health landscape. Traditional meals of ugali, rice, beans and vegetables are increasingly being replaced or supplemented by cheap, calorie‑dense and nutrient‑poor processed foods. Fried chicken, often sold by local vendors and international franchise chains, has become a popular fast‑food choice, while sweetened carbonated drinks are ubiquitous from street stalls to supermarkets. The affordability and accessibility of these products, coupled with aggressive branding and promotions, have made them staples for many Tanzanians, particularly younger generations.

Urbanisation has played a critical role. As people move to cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Mwanza, they adopt more sedentary lifestyles and rely more on street food and convenience meals. Long working hours and limited time for traditional cooking further encourage the shift. At the same time, the marketing of sugary drinks, often sponsored by major global beverage corporations, has been pervasive, linking consumption with status, energy and modernity. A growing middle class with disposable income has also increased demand for Western‑style foods, making fried chicken a symbol of prosperity rather than a rare treat.

The Tanzanian government has acknowledged the problem. The Ministry of Health has included obesity and non‑communicable diseases (NCDs) in its National Multisectoral Nutrition Action Plan, aiming to promote healthier diets and physical activity. However, implementation faces significant hurdles: limited funding, weak regulatory enforcement, and the powerful influence of the food and beverage industry. Tax on sugary drinks was introduced in 2018, but its impact has been modest due to low excise rates and widespread availability of cheaper alternatives.

**Analise**

This growing obesity problem is not unique to Tanzania. Many low‑ and middle‑income countries are experiencing a similar nutrition transition, driven by globalisation, trade liberalisation and the expansion of multinational food corporations. However, the speed at which these changes are occurring in Tanzania is alarming. Health experts fear that the country is moving from a state of undernutrition to one where both undernutrition and over‑nutrition coexist, putting enormous pressure on healthcare resources. NCDs such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, once considered ailments of wealthy nations, are now among the leading causes of death in urban centres in Tanzania.

The economic implications are substantial. Premature death and disability from NCDs reduce workforce productivity and increase healthcare costs. A 2021 World Bank report estimated that NCDs could cost Sub‑Saharan African countries billions of dollars in lost economic output over the next decade if left unchecked. For Tanzania, which is still developing its healthcare infrastructure, the burden could be catastrophic. Moreover, the rise in obesity among children is particularly worrisome, as it sets the stage for lifelong health problems and perpetuates the cycle of disease.

International organisations, including the World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation, have repeatedly called for stronger policies to curb the consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks. Recommended measures include higher taxes on sugar‑sweetened beverages, front‑of‑pack labelling, restrictions on marketing to children, and public education campaigns promoting traditional diets. Tanzania has taken some steps, but enforcement remains weak. The success of such measures in other countries, such as Mexico’s soda tax or Chile’s warning labels, suggests that policy change can alter consumer behaviour, but requires political will and sustained investment.

**Fontes** The information in this article is based on reports and publications from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Bank, the Tanzanian Ministry of Health, and the Tanzanian National Multisectoral Nutrition Action Plan (2021‑2026). Additional context is drawn from academic literature on nutrition transitions in Sub‑Saharan Africa and from media reports on the country’s obesity trends. No specific individuals have been quoted, and no primary interviews were conducted.