Records at the Ministry of Health indicate that the six counties with the highest number of plus-size women are: Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, Kirinyaga, Murang'a and Nyeri.
The Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) 2017 revealed that a third of women in Kenya were either obese or overweight.
This is mainly attributed to the high consumption of processed foods in urban dwellings and modern family planning methods.
“It is clear here that the lifestyle of women living in urban areas leads to an increase in their weight.
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"It's also important to note that hormonal issues and family planning pills affect their weight," stated Gladys Mugambi, head of nutrition and dietetics unit at the Health ministry.
Habits women pick while preparing meals around the home were also reported to affect their weight.
“Women also do more of the cooking at home and their habits to taste every time also affects their weight. This area also needs more research,” she added.
The study, done jointly by the Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation also indicated that women in Nairobi and Central regions had overweight prevalence rates of 50 percent while Coast, Eastern and Nyanza were between 30 and 40 percent.
Rift Valley, Western and North Eastern had prevalence below 30 percent for women aged between 15 to 49 years.
The report also indicated an increase in the number of malnourished men who mostly opt to have one meal a day despite their spouses cooking for them.
Interestingly, findings of a research conducted by Dr Filemón Alvarado and Dr Edgardo Morales of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) department of psychology, indicated that most chubby women are more open and affectionate which makes them more involving, hence, a happy relationship.
This, according to the research, makes their men 10 times happier than those married to the slender.
Secondly, plus-size women are said to shine with positivity which is infectious.
Thirdly, the survey showed that the plump ladies smile more and are better at dealing with problems.
Lastly, the well-rounded women were found to be better at anticipating their partner needs and hence make a good couple.
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