By Ezra Ukanwa, Abuja

THE National Action on Sugar Reduction, NASR, and celebrity photographer, Aisha Augie-Kuta, have announced a move to reach out to about 47 million Nigerians with its campaign on abdominal obesity eradication.

While emphasizing the dangers associated with sugar intake, particularly as it concerns the abodmine, the group said that the campaign is entirely targeted to change public perception about what obesity means.

The campaign tagged #BigBelleFitKillPerson, is to feature striking visuals aimed at highlighting the health risks of abdominal obesity.

The move was disclosed in a statement, on Friday, and signed by the Secretary, National Action on Sugar Reduction, Omei Bongos-Ikwue, in Abuja.

The statement reads in part: “Obesity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is one of the major causes of obesity in Nigeria.

“Many Nigerians associate obesity with simply being chubby or fat, and do not recognise that a buildup of abdominal fat, or a “potbelly,” amounts to obesity. This feeds into the common misconception that people with pot bellies are only living the “good life.”

“The #BigBelleFitKillPerson campaign dispels this myth by highlighting the health risks of abdominal obesity and its link to the consumption of sugary drinks. Large amounts of belly fat can raise the risk of heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

“Research showed that almost six million Nigerians suffer from hypertension due to obesity”, said Omei Bongos, secretary of NASR.

“Augie-Kuta’s striking images portray the real meaning of obesity for women and men. According to science, obesity amounts to a waist circumference that exceeds 88 cm in women and 102 cm in men.

“This campaign will help change public perception about what it means to be obese. Most Nigerians do not recognize that they may be at risk due to excess belly fat.”

NASR, however, promised to remain committed towards reducing sugary drinks consumption in Nigeria while promoting overall health awareness among its citizens.