Nigeria has been identified as the country with the least effective response to obesity care guidelines among a group of 20 nations, according to the Obesity Response Index published by Economist Impact. The index measures countries based on their policy and governance, obesity management, food quality and access, and physical activity, with Nigeria scoring a mere 13.1 out of 100 overall. Notably, Nigeria is the only country in the assessment that recorded a score of zero in crucial categories such as obesity management and physical activity, indicating a worrying lack of structured national systems to address these issues.

The findings highlight the severe inadequacies in Nigeria's approach to handling the obesity crisis, an issue which is becoming increasingly prominent globally. The report suggests that without effective national strategies in place, health outcomes related to obesity will continue to decline. The absence of physical activity and obesity management systems is particularly alarming, given the rising rates of obesity and related health complications in Nigeria, which could overwhelm healthcare systems if not addressed.

The indexed countries also include developed nations such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, all scoring significantly higher, showcasing the disparity in health management and resources available to combat obesity. This assessment calls for urgent action from Nigerian policymakers to prioritize health and establish infrastructure that supports obesity management and encourages physical activity. Without intervention, Nigeria risks falling further behind in public health initiatives.