Trends in obesity prevalence

The prevalence of obesity in the UK has more than doubled in the last twenty five years. Although this recent increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity has been seen in virtually every country in the world, the rate of increase in the UK has been particularly high (see Figure 3).

Figure 3: Trends in adult prevalence of obesity – percentage of the adult population assessed as obese in a selection of countries from around the world [2]

The rapid increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity has resulted in the proportion of adults in England with a healthy BMI (18.5-24.9) decreasing between 1993 and 2007 from 41% to 34% among men, and 50% to 42% among women. In England, currently 24% of men and women (aged 16 years and over) are obese (HSE 2007). In addition 10.4% of boys and 8.8% of girls (average 9.6%) in Reception year (aged 4-5 years) and 20% of boys and 16.6% of girls (average 18.3%) in Year 6 (aged 10-11 years) are also classified as obese according to the British 1990 population monitoring definition of obesity (≥95th centile) (NCMP 2007/08). By 2050 the prevalence of obesity is predicted to affect 60% of adult men, 50% of adult women and 25% of children (Foresight 2007).

Figure 4: Trends in adult (16 years +) overweight and obesity prevalence (HSE)

To find out more about data mapping and the NOO E-atlas prevalence trends click here

To find out more about the NCMP data and analyses click here

2: Lobstein, T. and Jackson Leach, R. 2007. International Comparisons of Obesity Trends, Determinants and Responses. Evidence Review. Foresight Tackling Obesities: Future Choices. http://www.foresight.gov.uk/