Some Africans have long seen a big belly as a sign of wealth. It’s killing them

In many African cultures, a big belly has long been seen as a sign of wealth. In Kenya, overweight politicians are often called Boss or Mkubwa — Swahili for “big man” — by constituents, with their girth symbolizing prosperity. Younger politicians, including the governors of Nairobi and Mombasa, have begun speaking publicly about weight loss.