Austria
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Health systems
- Actions
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National obesity risk *5.5/10This is a composite ‘obesity risk’ score (out of 10, the highest risk) based on obesity prevalence, rate of increase, likelihood of meeting the 2025 target, treatment indicator and childhood stunting levels.Childhood obesity risk *7/11This is a ‘risk score’ for each country’s likelihood of having or acquiring a major childhood obesity problem during the 2020s, taking account of current prevalence levels and risk for future obesity (based on stunting among infants, maternal obesity, maternal smoking, and breastfeeding rates).
* Based on estimated data. For more information see Publications
Obesity prevalence
Trends over time
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The report card collates all the most-recent graphics for this country. If you would like to produce a custom report based on selected graphics, just tap the Add to custom PDF button below the graphics you would like to use.Population breakdowns
Drivers
Insufficient activity
Sugar consumption
Soft drink consumption
Confectionery consumption
Sweet/savoury snack consumption
Fruit consumption
Vegetable consumption
Processed meat consumption
Grains consumption
Depression
Anxiety
Roots of obesity »
Like all chronic diseases, the root causes/drivers of obesity are complex. Select here to view 'other' root causes/drivers.Comorbidities
Health systems
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| Sample size: | 2127 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Der Universität Wien. Austrian Nutrition report 2017. [Österreichischer Ernährungsbericht 2017]. Available from: https://broschuerenservice.sozialministerium.at/Home/Download?publicationId=528 (last accessed 30.09.20) |
| Notes: | NB. Combined adult data estimated. These estimates were calculated by weighting male and female survey results. Weighting based on World Bank Population % total female 2019 (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.FE.ZS - accessed 30.09.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | EUROSTAT Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2005-2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 30-74 |
| Sample size: | 1054 |
| Area covered: | National * |
| References: | Schwarz B. Abdominal obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors in Austria. RdM O&G 2007; 3: 65- 96 |
| Notes: | * It should be made clear though that the author of the above survey noted that although the survey population was well balanced and fairly representative, as they were based in a primary care setting, selection bias towards higher morbidity risk could exist. In contrast though volunteers to health screening programs may lead to a selection bias the other way. The author could not determine which effect dominated. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1991
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25-64 |
| Sample size: | 1446 |
| References: | Ulmer H, Diem G, Bischof HP, Ruttmann E, Concin H. Recent trends and sociodemographic distribution of cardiovascular risk factors: Results from two population surveys in the Austrian WHO CINDI demonstration area. Wiener Klinsche Wochenschrift 2001;113:573-579 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1986
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 25-64 |
| Sample size: | 1347 |
| References: | WHO Infobase (accessed 2008), Countrywide Integrated Noncommunicable Diseases Intervention (CINDI) programme |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-12 |
| Sample size: | 2510 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | MINISTERIUM FRAUEN GESUNDHEIT. (2017). Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) Bericht Österreich 2017. Available: https://www.bmgf.gv.at/cms/home/attachments/8/3/3/CH1048/CMS1509621215790/cosi_2017_20171019.pdf. Last accessed 20th September 2018. |
| Notes: | World Obesity estimate based on weighted data from https://www.bmgf.gv.at/cms/home/attachments/8/3/3/CH1048/CMS1509621215790/cosi_2017_20171019.pdf. survey. Note: 92% of the children in this sample were aged 8-9; aged 7 n=3, aged 8 n=1218, aged 9 n=1107, aged 10 n=180, aged 11 n=14, aged 12 n=1. IOTF cut-offs used, WHO cut-offs also available in document. NB. Combined child data estimated. These estimates were calculated by weighting male and female survey results. Weighting based on World Bank Population % total female 2019 (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.FE.ZS - accessed 21.10.20)' |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2009-2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-9 |
| Sample size: | 14544 |
| References: | Mayer M, Gleiss A, Hausler G et al. Weight and body mass index (BMI): current data for Austrian boys and girls aged 4 to under 19 years. Annals of Human Biology. Early online 1-11 2014. |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Adults living with obesity by age 1973-2007
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033 |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Adults living with obesity by education 1983-2007
Women
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033 |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Men
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033 |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Overweight/obesity by age and education
Men, 2017
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2017
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by education
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | Total sample size in EU = 35100 (Age 18+) |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 9 November 2016) |
| Notes: | Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education (levels 0-2) Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education (levels 3 and 4) Tertiary education (levels 5-8) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | Total sample size in EU = 35100 (Age 18+) |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 9 November 2016) |
| Notes: | Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education (levels 0-2) Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education (levels 3 and 4) Tertiary education (levels 5-8) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2008
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | EUROSTAT Database http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/health/health-status-determinants/data/database# (last accessed 17th July 2015) |
| Notes: | Definitions are: levels 0-2 = pre-primary, primary and lower secondary education levels 3-4 = upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education levels 5-6 = first and second stage of tertiary education |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2008
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | EUROSTAT Database http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/health/health-status-determinants/data/database# (last accessed 17th July 2015) |
| Notes: | Definitions are: levels 0-2 = pre-primary, primary and lower secondary education levels 3-4 = upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education levels 5-6 = first and second stage of tertiary education |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2006-2007
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 14130 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2006-2007
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 14130 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 1999
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 34371 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 1999
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 34371 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 1991
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 35093 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 1991
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 35093 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 1983
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 37343 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 1983
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 37343 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by age
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 2127 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Der Universität Wien. Austrian Nutrition report 2017. [Österreichischer Ernährungsbericht 2017]. Available from: https://www.ages.at/download/0/0/96cd1c88cbede228268b174f1e729558b86604d1/fileadmin/AGES2015/Themen/Ernaehrung_Dateien/Osterr.-Ernahrungsbericht-2017.pdf. [Accessed February 13 2019]. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Sample size: | 7235 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Statistik Austria, Herausgeber. Im Auftrag des Bundesministeriums für Gesundheit. Österreichische Gesundheitsbefragung 2014. Hauptergebnisse des Austrian Health Interview Survey (ATHIS) und methodische Dokumentation. Wien; 2015. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2007
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Sample size: | 14318 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2005-2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 1054 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Schwarz B. Abdominal obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors in Austria. RdM O&G 2007; 3: 65- 96 |
| Notes: | The study population consisted of patients who wanted to participate in standardised health screening programmes. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1999
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Sample size: | 34731 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1991
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Sample size: | 35093 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1986
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 1347 |
| Area covered: | Not nationally representative |
| References: | WHO Infobase (accessed 2008), Countrywide Integrated Noncommunicable Diseases Intervention (CINDI) programme. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1983
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Sample size: | 38835 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1973
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Sample size: | 55184 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Franziska Großschädl, Willibald J. Stronegger, Long-term trends in obesity among Austrian adults and its relation with the social gradient: 1973–2007, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 306–312, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cks033 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 2510 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | MINISTERIUM FRAUEN GESUNDHEIT. (2017). Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) Bericht Österreich 2017. Available: https://www.bmgf.gv.at/cms/home/attachments/8/3/3/CH1048/CMS1509621215790/cosi_2017_20171019.pdf. [Last accessed 20th September 2018]. |
| Notes: | Note: 92% of the children in this sample were aged 8-9; aged 7 n=3, aged 8 n=1218, aged 9 n=1107, aged 10 n=180, aged 11 n=14, aged 12 n=1. MINISTERIUM FRAUEN GESUNDHEIT. (2017). Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) Bericht Österreich 2017. Available: https://www.bmgf.gv.at/cms/home/attachments/8/3/3/CH1048/CMS1509621215790/cosi_2017_20171019.pdf. [Last accessed 20th September 2018]. IOTF cut-offs used, WHO cut-offs also available in document. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2009-2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 14544 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Mayer M, Gleiss A, Hausler G et al. Weight and body mass index (BMI): current data for Austrian boys and girls aged 4 to under 19 years. Annals of Human Biology. Early online 1-11 2014. |
| Notes: | Age ranges overlap |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Overweight/obesity by region
Adults, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 7235 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Statistik Austria, Herausgeber. Im Auftrag des Bundesministeriums für Gesundheit. Österreichische Gesundheitsbefragung 2014. Hauptergebnisse des Austrian Health Interview Survey (ATHIS) und methodische Dokumentation. Wien; 2015. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2006-2007
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | Approx. 15000 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Statistik Austria, Gesundheitsbefragung 2006/7. http://www.statistik.at/web_de/dynamic/statistiken/gesundheit/publdetail?id=4&listid=4&detail=457 (last accesed 27th February 2015) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Boys, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-12 |
| Sample size: | 2510 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | MINISTERIUM FRAUEN GESUNDHEIT. (2017). Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) Bericht Österreich 2017. Available: https://www.bmgf.gv.at/cms/home/attachments/8/3/3/CH1048/CMS1509621215790/cosi_2017_20171019.pdf. Last accessed Last accessed 20th September 2018. |
| Notes: | Note: 92% of the children in this sample were aged 8-9; aged 7 n=3, aged 8 n=1218, aged 9 n=1107, aged 10 n=180, aged 11 n=14, aged 12 n=1. MINISTERIUM FRAUEN GESUNDHEIT. (2017). Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) Bericht Österreich 2017. Available: https://www.bmgf.gv.at/cms/home/attachments/8/3/3/CH1048/CMS1509621215790/cosi_2017_20171019.pdf. [Last accessed 20th September 2018]. IOTF cut-offs used, WHO cut-offs also available in document. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Girls, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-12 |
| Sample size: | 2510 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | MINISTERIUM FRAUEN GESUNDHEIT. (2017). Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) Bericht Österreich 2017. Available: https://www.bmgf.gv.at/cms/home/attachments/8/3/3/CH1048/CMS1509621215790/cosi_2017_20171019.pdf. Last accessed Last accessed 20th September 2018. |
| Notes: | Note: 92% of the children in this sample were aged 8-9; aged 7 n=3, aged 8 n=1218, aged 9 n=1107, aged 10 n=180, aged 11 n=14, aged 12 n=1. MINISTERIUM FRAUEN GESUNDHEIT. (2017). Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) Bericht Österreich 2017. Available: https://www.bmgf.gv.at/cms/home/attachments/8/3/3/CH1048/CMS1509621215790/cosi_2017_20171019.pdf. [Last accessed 20th September 2018]. IOTF cut-offs used, WHO cut-offs also available in document. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Overweight/obesity by age and region
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1u&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1u&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by age and socio-economic group
Adults, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | Total sample number in EU: 35100 (Age 18+) |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | EUROSTAT Database: http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 9 November 2016) |
| Notes: | 1st Quintile (lowest income), 5th Quintile (highest income) Please note where data = zero, there were insufficient data. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | Total sample number in EU: 35100 (Age 18+) |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | EUROSTAT Database: http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 9 November 2016) |
| Notes: | 1st Quintile (lowest income), 5th Quintile (highest income) Please note where data = zero, there were insufficient data. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2008
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | EUROSTAT Database http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/health/health-status-determinants/data/database# (last accessed 17th July 2015) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2008
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | EUROSTAT Database http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/health/health-status-determinants/data/database# (last accessed 17th July 2015) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Insufficient physical activity
Adults, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Men, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Women, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Children, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Boys, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Girls, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Sugar consumption
Adults, 2016
| References: | Source: Euromonitor International |
| Definitions: | Sugar consumption (Number of 500g sugar portions/person/month) |
Estimated per capita sugar sweetened beverages intake
Adults, 2016
| References: | Source: Euromonitor International |
Prevalence of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | World Health Organization. (2017). Adolescent obesity and related behaviours: Trends and inequalities in the who european region, 2002-2014: observations from the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) WHO collaborative cross-national study (J. Inchley, D. Currie, J. Jewel, J. Breda, & V. Barnekow, Eds.). World Health Organization. Sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org |
| Notes: | 15-year-old adolescents |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption (% of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption) |
Prevalence of confectionery consumption
Adults, 2016
| References: | Source: Euromonitor International |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of confectionery consumption (Number of 50g confectionery portions/person/month) |
Prevalence of sweet/savoury snack consumption
Adults, 2016
| References: | Source: Euromonitor International |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of sweet/savoury snack consumption (Number of 35g sweet/savoury snack portions/person/month) |
Estimated per capita fruit intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day) |
Prevalence of less than daily fruit consumption
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Global School-based Student Health Surveys. Beal et al (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287. Sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of less-than-daily fruit consumption (% less-than-daily fruit consumption) |
Prevalence of less than daily vegetable consumption
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 12-17 |
| References: | Beal et al. (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287 sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of less-than-daily vegetable consumption (% less-than-daily vegetable consumption) |
Estimated per-capita processed meat intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day) |
Estimated per capita whole grains intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day) |
Mental health - depression disorders
Adults, 2015
| References: | Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Definitions: | % of population with depression disorders |
Mental health - anxiety disorders
Adults, 2015
| References: | Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Definitions: | % of population with anxiety disorders |
Oesophageal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Breast cancer
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, breast, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Colorectal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Pancreatic cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Gallbladder cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Kidney cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Cancer of the uterus
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, cervix uteri, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Raised blood pressure
Adults, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Men, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Women, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Raised cholesterol
Adults, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Men, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Women, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Raised fasting blood glucose
Men, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Women, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Diabetes prevalence
Adults, 2017
| References: | Reproduced with kind permission of IDF, International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2017. http://www.diabetesatlas.org |
| Definitions: | Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%). |
Health systems
Economic classification: High Income
Health systems summary
Austria’s public healthcare is primarily delivered through a statutory health insurance (SHI) scheme that covers employees and their non-working dependents. Enrolment into an employer’s insurance scheme is compulsory and so employees are usually enrolled automatically on starting new employment. The self-employed, on the other hand, must enrol into the public health insurance scheme. Under the SHI, only certain services are covered and those that are not are paid for 'out of pocket' (OOP). Individuals can also choose to visit non-SHI physicians and clinics at their own expense. The lack of coverage and insufficient treatment options provided under SHI results in high OOP expenses - in 2017, OOP expenses made up 19.2% of health expenditure.
Many Austrians have ‘supplementary’ private insurance to provide care not covered by the public SHI scheme. In 2013, 35% of the population was estimated to have such insurance.
Indicators
| Where is the country’s government in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | No |
| Where is the country’s healthcare provider in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | No |
| Is there specialist training available dedicated to the training of health professionals to prevent, diagnose, treat and manage obesity? | Not known |
| Have any taxes or subsidies been put in place to protect/assist/inform the population around obesity? | No |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in urban areas? | No |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in rural areas? | No |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for adults? | No |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for children? | No |
| In practice, how is obesity treatment largely funded? | Out of pocket |
Summary of stakeholder feedback
Obesity is not considered to be a disease by either the government or the healthcare providers in Austria. Instead, there is reportedly a lot of stigma against the individuals with obesity as it is assumed to be a result of personal failure.
As obesity is not a priority, there is limited infrastructure within the healthcare system for obesity prevention, management and treatment. There is also limited coverage by social insurance schemes for treatment and so most patients must fund treatment as an ‘out of pocket’ expense. Stakeholders said there is an exception for severe obesity, for which treatment (surgery) is available. Follow-up of bariatric surgery is however, said to be insufficient.
There is a lack of specialist obesity professionals in both urban and rural areas.
Based on interviews/survey returns from 2 stakeholders
Last updated: June 2020
