Low frequency of adverse sequelae of obesity in South African rural black women.

In a series of 210 black women aged 25-45 years in a village in Eastern Transvaal, South Africa, 40 (19.0%) were obese, having a Body Mass Index (kg/m2) of 30 or more. Mean triceps skinfold was 23.5 mm; in 10 (25%) it was 25 mm or more) Hypertension (greater than or equal to 160/95 mm Hg) was present in 3 women (7.5%), hyperglycaemia (greater than or equal to 7.8 mmol/l) in 1 (2.5%), hypercholesterolaemia (greater than or equal to 5.2 mmol/l) in 3 (7.5%), and hypertriglyceridaemia (greater than or equal to 1.8 mmol/l) in 3 (7.5%). Dietarily, mean intake of energy was 2260 kcals, protein 73 g (12.9% energy), fat 55 g (20.8% energy), and carbohydrate 369 g (65.3%). In this context, of low fat, low animal food intakes, together with high physical activity, one or more of the adverse sequelae enumerated were present in 5 women (12.5%). Accordingly, in 35 women (87.5%), their obesity could be regarded as "healthy" obesity.