Data on overweight and obesity in adults (defined as people aged 16 and over) come mainly from the Health Survey for England (HSE). Results for 2010 showed that around 63% of adults were overweight or obese (58% of women and 68% of men). The prevalence of obesity is similar in men and women, but men are more likely to be overweight (42% of men compared to 32% of women).

A substantial proportion of obese adults have a body mass index (BMI) of well over 30. Women are more likely than men to have extremely high BMI values.

Click here for more information on morbid obesity.

The prevalence of obesity in adults rose from 15% to 26% between 1993 and 2010. The rate of increase has slowed down since 2001 although the trend is still upwards. The prevalence of overweight has not changed significantly since 1993, suggesting that the shift from the healthy weight range to overweight has been similar to the shift from overweight to obese. Projections for the future suggest that the upwards trend will continue over at least the next ten years. NOO has a range of resources covering data and information on adult weight, diet and physical activity:

• Adult Weight Data Briefing
• Adult Diet Data Briefing
• Adult Physical Activity Data Briefing
• Adult Obesity Data Sources
• Adult Obesity prevalence maps