Rise in prosperity brings lifestyle diseases to Africa

A growing urban middle class is defying the image of Africa as poor, underfed and undermedicated. And afflictions familiar in the West are making inroads here, too — obesity, diabetes, lung cancer, strokes, heart disease.

A continent that traditionally traveled on foot or by bike now increasingly rides cars and buses. More time is spent at desks. Elevators are replacing stairs.

Rise in prosperity brings lifestyle diseases to Africa | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram