Kotsedi Daniel Monyeki

Seasonal variation is an important environmental determinant of human health and body composition. Traditional measures are widely used as indicators for body composition—body shape indices such as conicity index (CI), body roundness index (BRI), and a body shape index (ABSI)—provide better insights into fat distribution and cardiometabolic risk. This study aimed to determine the longitudinal relationship between seasonal variation and CI, BRI, and ABSI in children from Ellisras. A longitudinal design was employed using secondary data from the Ellisras Longitudinal Study collected between 1997 and 2003. Height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) were obtained using standardized procedures, and CI, BRI, and ABSI were calculated. Measurements were taken in spring and autumn each year. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess seasonal differences over time. Conicity index and BRI showed a decline over time in both seasons, while ABSI increased initially before stabilizing. Mixed-effects model results indicated a significant (p < 0.001) overall seasonal effect, with higher values observed in spring—CI: (0.0154 95% CI 0.014–0.017), BRI: (0.087 95% CI 0.077–0.097), and ABSI: (0.008 95% CI 0.008–0.009). These results highlight the importance of seasonally targeted interventions to promote healthy lifestyles in rural communities.

Background: Overweight and obesity are rising health concerns in South Africa, increasingly affecting young adults in rural communities, and are influenced by distinct demographic, socio-economic and behavioural factors. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of body mass index (BMI)-defined overweight and obesity among young adults aged 18–29 years. Setting: The study was conducted in Lephalale, a predominantly rural-industrial area located within the Waterberg District Municipality of Limpopo province, South Africa. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey of 1063 adults aged 18–29 years from 42 rural settlements collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, employment, income, government grant receipt, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire – IPAQ), dietary practices (processed and fast food intake, fruit and vegetable consumption), smoking and alcohol use. BMI was calculated as weight divided by height squared (kg/m2) and classified using WHO criteria. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified the predictors of combined overweight and obesity compared with normal or underweight participants. Results: The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 35%. Significant independent predictors included age 25–29 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40–3.00), government grant receipt (AOR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.05–2.28), daily processed food intake (AOR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.25–2.73), weekly fast food intake (AOR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.18–2.45), smoking (AOR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.00–1.72) and daily alcohol use (AOR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.35–3.15). Overweight and obesity were prevalent among rural young adults and were associated with socio-economic vulnerability and modifiable lifestyle behaviours. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity were highly prevalent among young adults living in a rural-industrial setting in Limpopo province. Contribution: The findings highlight priority behavioural and social determinants that can inform targeted public health interventions and obesity-prevention policies in transitioning rural communities.

(1) Background: Resting heart rate (RHR) is an easily measurable cardiovascular risk indicator, yet its relationship with cardiometabolic risk factors remains understudied in rural African populations. This study investigated the association between RHR and cardiovascular risk factors among adults in the rural Ellisras community, South Africa. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 629 participants (306 males, 323 females) aged 18 years and above from the Ellisras Longitudinal Study. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, biochemical parameters, and lifestyle factors were assessed. RHR was categorized as normal (60–100 bpm), bradycardia (100 bpm). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Pearson correlations, and logistic regression to identify predictors of abnormal RHR. (3) Results: The mean age was 25.55 ± 1.97 years, with significant gender differences in cardiovascular parameters. Females had higher RHR (81.78 ± 11.73 vs. 70.36 ± 12.89 bpm, p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (24.62 vs. 20.67 kg/m², p < 0.001), and waist circumference (WC) (81.00 vs. 73.50 cm, p < 0.001). Resting heart rate (RHR) distribution varied significantly by gender (p < 0.001), with bradycardia more prevalent in males (91.3% vs. 8.7%) and tachycardia in females (75.0% vs. 25.0%). Significant positive correlations were observed between RHR and age (r = 0.105, p = 0.009), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = 0.135, p < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (r = 0.098, p = 0.016), total cholesterol (TCHOL) (r = 0.168, p < 0.001), LDL-C (r = 0.201, p < 0.001), WC (r = 0.169, p < 0.001), and sum of 4 skinfolds (bicep, tricep, subscapular and supraspinale) and (r = 0.184, p < 0.001). A negative correlation was found with systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = −0.105, p < 0.001). In the logistic regression analysis, participants aged >25 years had significantly lower odds of abnormal RHR (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.26–0.97, p = 0.039), after adjusting for confounders. In the fully adjusted model, RHR remained significantly associated with DBP (β = 0.59, p < 0.001), LDL-C (β = 2.76, p = 0.008), WC (β = 0.10, p = 0.012), and triglycerides (TG) (β = 2.78, p = 0.002). (4) Conclusions: RHR demonstrates significant associations with multiple cardiovascular risk factors in this rural South African population, with distinct gender-specific patterns. Age emerged as the primary independent predictor of abnormal RHR. These findings suggest that RHR could serve as a valuable, cost-effective screening tool for cardiovascular risk assessment in resource-limited rural settings.

Background/Objectives: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), projected to surpass infectious diseases as the leading cause of mortality. This shift reflects a complex public health challenge driven by changing dietary patterns and persistent social and gender inequities. Women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable due to biological and sociocultural factors, with diet playing a central role in NCD development and maternal health. This scoping review explores dietary determinants of NCDs in this population and identifies evidence gaps to support context-specific, gender-responsive interventions. Methods: The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2010 and May 2025. After removing duplicates, 577 articles were screened, and 19 met the inclusion criteria. Data were synthesized using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. An adapted conceptual framework informed by the ecological model was developed to illustrate the multilevel pathways linking dietary determinants to NCD outcomes. Results: Frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods, salty snacks, processed meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages was consistently associated with increased NCD risk. Central obesity was prevalent among nearly half of the women studied, and a high intake of sugary drinks was common across diverse populations. Among pregnant women, overweight was observed in approximately one-quarter of participants, despite the inadequate intake of protein and iron. Vitamin A deficiency was moderately prevalent, and urban residence was linked to a twofold increase in the coexistence of obesity and micronutrient deficiencies. These patterns were shaped by poverty, food insecurity, and the cultural norms influencing dietary behaviors and access to nutritious foods. Conclusion: Dietary determinants significantly contribute to the rising NCD burden among women of reproductive age in SSA, yet adolescent women remain underrepresented in research. Addressing these gaps through culturally sensitive, multisectoral interventions and biomarker-informed longitudinal studies is essential for guiding inclusive policies and sustainable health strategies for this vulnerable population.

Background: Childhood malnutrition, including both undernutrition and overnutrition, remains a significant public health concern in many low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa. Understanding the anthropometric characteristics and obesity predictors among rural South African adolescents is crucial for informing targeted public health interventions. Aim: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of children in rural Ellisras, South Africa, aged 11–17 years, and to identify predictors of obesity. Setting: The study was conducted in Ellisras, a rural area in South Africa, between January 2021 and December 2021. Methods: A total of 1217 adolescents (612 boys, 605 girls) participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight and body mass index (BMI), were collected. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with obesity. Results: The findings indicated that 43.10% of children were classified as underweight, with a higher prevalence among boys (64.57%) than girls (35.43%). The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was low (0.41%), with girls (80%) being more affected than boys (20%). Boys had a slightly higher average height (154.79 cm) than girls (154.60 cm), while girls had a higher average BMI (16.41 kg/m2) compared to boys (15.81 kg/m2). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that adolescents aged 15–16 years had significantly higher odds of obesity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.10, p < 0.001) compared to 11–12-year-olds. Additionally, girls had significantly higher odds of obesity than boys (AOR = 2.80, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study highlights the dual burden of malnutrition among rural South African adolescents, with a high prevalence of underweight and emerging obesity, particularly among girls. Contribution: These findings emphasise the need for targeted nutritional interventions, with special attention to adolescents aged 15–16 years and girls, who are at a higher risk of obesity.