Do you live in SA's healthiest city?

This year, Cape Town can boast the highest number of people who are a healthy weight and who purchase the most vegetables and fruit, compared to South Africa’s other major cities.

This is according to the Discovery Vitality ObeCity Index 2017, which reports on data gathered from nearly half a million Vitality members in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth.

The consumption of ultra-processed food is growing, along with our waistlines

The ObeCity report allows consumers to "better understand the amount of sugar and salt in the foods we are actually buying, as well as fruit and vegetable purchasing," says Dr Craig Nossel, Head of Vitality Wellness. This is important, because the data shows that around the world, people are getting fatter, faster.

Key contributing factors in the obesity epidemic are an increase in the consumption of sugar, salt, fat and animal products. High amounts of these are generally found in foods like ready-made meals, snack bars and instant noodles - the sales of which increased in South Africa by 40% between 2005 and 2010.

Healthier eating could save you over R2 000 a year in healthcare

Discovery data shows that members who purchase healthy foods have a 10% lower BMI compared to those who purchase unhealthy foods. The same purchasing behaviour is associated with up to R2 500 lower health costs per year.

But don't be disheartened (even if you do live in Port Elizabeth) - a slimmer and healthier national profile starts with each person committing to make small, everyday decisions towards better health.

• Dr Nossel sums it up: "While tackling obesity is complex, it’s critical that we all do our bit. As individuals, we need to move more and consciously make healthier food choices. As businesses, whether manufacturers, retailers, or restaurant owners, we need to actively contribute to creating a society where the healthy choice is the easier choice."