• Overview
  • Obesity prevalence
  • Population breakdowns
  • Drivers
  • Comorbidities
  • Economic impact
  • Policies
  • Contextual factors
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Obesity prevalence

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-69
Sample size:5575
Area covered:National
References:Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, (2020). Non-communicable disease Risk Factors: Bhutan STEPS Survey 2019, Thimphu. . https://extranet.who.int/ncdsmicrodata/index.php/catalog/855/download/6027 (Accessed11.05.21)
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:Measured
Age:18-69
Sample size:2822
Area covered:National
References:National survey for noncommunicable disease risk factors and mental health using WHO STEPS approach in Bhutan, 2014. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/bhutan/steps/bhutan-2014-steps-report.pdf?sfvrsn=a4f95255_2&download=true (Accessed 30.08.23)
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:Measured
Age:25-64
Sample size:2071
Area covered:Regional
References:STEPS Bhutan 2009, available at https://extranet.who.int/ncdsmicrodata/index.php/catalog/738/related-materials (last accessed 24.09.21)
Notes:Thimphu
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:13-17
Sample size:7576
Area covered:National
References:Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), available at https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/Bhutan_gshs_fs_2016.pdf?ua=1 (last accessed 24.11.20)
Cutoffs:WHO

0-5 years, 2010

Survey type:Measured
Age:0-5
Sample size:5863
Area covered:National
References:MICS: Bhutan multiple indicator cluster survey (BMIS) 2010. Thimphu, Bhutan: NSB, May 2011
Notes:UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population.
Definitions:=>+2SD

0-5 years, 2008

Age:0-5
Sample size:2133
References:NNS: National Nutrition, Infant & Young Child Feeding Survey 2008. Thimphu, Bhutan: Ministry of Health and UN.
Notes:UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population.
Definitions:=>+2SD

0-5 years, 1999

Age:0-5
Sample size:2992
References:NNS: National anthropometric survey of under five children in Bhutan. Division of Health Services. Thimpu, Bhutan, 1999
Notes:UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population.
Definitions:=>+2SD

0-5 years, 1986-1988

Age:0-5
Sample size:3273
References:NNS: Report on the national nutrition survey. Bhutan; December 1989.
Notes:UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population.
Definitions:=>+2SD

Overweight/obesity by education

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-69
Sample size:5575
Area covered:National
References:Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, (2020). Non-communicable disease Risk Factors: Bhutan STEPS Survey 2019, Thimphu. . https://extranet.who.int/ncdsmicrodata/index.php/catalog/855/download/6027 (Accessed11.05.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

0-5 years, 2010

Sample size:5863
References:MICS: Bhutan multiple indicator cluster survey (BMIS) 2010. Thimphu, Bhutan: NSB, May 2011
Notes:UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population.
Definitions:=>+2SD

0-5 years, 2008

Sample size:2133
References:NNS: National Nutrition, Infant & Young Child Feeding Survey 2008. Thimphu, Bhutan: Ministry of Health and UN.
Notes:UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population.
Definitions:=>+2SD

Overweight/obesity by age

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:5575
Area covered:National
References:Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, (2020). Non-communicable disease Risk Factors: Bhutan STEPS Survey 2019, Thimphu. . https://extranet.who.int/ncdsmicrodata/index.php/catalog/855/download/6027 (Accessed11.05.21)
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

Sample size:2431
Area covered:Regional
References:STEPS Bhutan 2009, available at https://extranet.who.int/ncdsmicrodata/index.php/catalog/738/related-materials (last accessed 24.09.21)
Notes:Thimphu
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2016

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:7576
Area covered:National
References:2016 GSHS Fact Sheet Bhutan. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/bhutan/gshs/bhutan-gshs-fs-2016.pdf?sfvrsn=f2d3541d_2&download=true
Cutoffs:BMI-for-age

Overweight/obesity by region

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-69
Sample size:5575
Area covered:National
References:Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, (2020). Non-communicable disease Risk Factors: Bhutan STEPS Survey 2019, Thimphu. . https://extranet.who.int/ncdsmicrodata/index.php/catalog/855/download/6027 (Accessed11.05.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Boys, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:13-17
Sample size:7576
Area covered:National
References:World Health Organization. Global school-based student health survey (GSHS). Available from: https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/factsheets/en/. [Accessed 20 February 2019].
Notes:WHO cut-offs used and based on Self-reported data.
Cutoffs:WHO

Girls, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:13-17
Sample size:7576
Area covered:National
References:World Health Organization. Global school-based student health survey (GSHS). Available from: https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/factsheets/en/. [Accessed 20 February 2019].
Notes:WHO cut-offs used and based on Self-reported data.
Cutoffs:WHO

0-5 years, 2010

Sample size:5863
References:MICS: Bhutan multiple indicator cluster survey (BMIS) 2010. Thimphu, Bhutan: NSB, May 2011
Notes:UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population.
Definitions:=>+2SD

0-5 years, 2010

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:5863
Area covered:National
References:Bhutan Multiple Indicator Survey, May 2011, National Statistics Bureau, Thimphu, Bhutan. https://mics-surveys-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/MICS4/South%20Asia/Bhutan/2010/Final/Bhutan%202010%20MICS_English.pdf (Accessed 28.06.21)
Notes:Infants.
Definitions:Weight for height. Overweight or obesity = >+2SD
Cutoffs:Other

0-5 years, 2008

Sample size:2133
References:NNS: National Nutrition, Infant & Young Child Feeding Survey 2008. Thimphu, Bhutan: Ministry of Health and UN.
Notes:UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population.
Definitions:=>+2SD

Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-69
Sample size:5575
Area covered:National
References:Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, (2020). Non-communicable disease Risk Factors: Bhutan STEPS Survey 2019, Thimphu. . https://extranet.who.int/ncdsmicrodata/index.php/catalog/855/download/6027 (Accessed11.05.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

0-5 years, 2010

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:5863
Area covered:National
References:Bhutan Multiple Indicator Survey, May 2011, National Statistics Bureau, Thimphu, Bhutan. https://mics-surveys-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/MICS4/South%20Asia/Bhutan/2010/Final/Bhutan%202010%20MICS_English.pdf (Accessed 28.06.21)
Notes:Infants.
Definitions:Weight for height. Overweight or obesity = >+2SD
Cutoffs:Other

0-5 years, 2010

Sample size:5863
References:MICS: Bhutan multiple indicator cluster survey (BMIS) 2010. Thimphu, Bhutan: NSB, May 2011
Notes:UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population.
Definitions:=>+2SD

Insufficient physical activity

Adults, 2022

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:WHO (2024). Prevalence of insufficient physical activity among adults aged 18-years age-standardized estimate in 2022. Available at https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/prevalence-of-insufficient-physical-activity-among-adults-aged-18-years-(age-standardized-estimate)-(-)
Definitions:Percent of population attaining less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or less than 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or equivalent.

Men, 2022

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:WHO (2024). Prevalence of insufficient physical activity among adults aged 18-years age-standardized estimate in 2022. Available at https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/prevalence-of-insufficient-physical-activity-among-adults-aged-18-years-(age-standardized-estimate)-(-)
Definitions:Percent of population attaining less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or less than 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or equivalent.

Women, 2022

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:WHO (2024). Prevalence of insufficient physical activity among adults aged 18-years age-standardized estimate in 2022. Available at https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/prevalence-of-insufficient-physical-activity-among-adults-aged-18-years-(age-standardized-estimate)-(-)
Definitions:Percent of population attaining less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or less than 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or equivalent.

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, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
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, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
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, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
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)

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)

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

% Infants exclusively breastfed 0-5 months

0-5 years, 2015-2022

References:National Nutrition Survey 2015, Nutrition Programme Department of Public Health Ministry of Health Bhutan
Notes:Full details are available. Original citation United Nations Children’s Fund, Division of Data, Analysis, Planning and Monitoring (2023). Global UNICEF Global Databases: Infant and Young Child Feeding: Exclusive breastfeeding, New York, October 2023.

Oesophageal cancer

Men, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Indicence per 100,000

Women, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Indicence per 100,000

Men, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2057
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2057
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Breast cancer

Women, 2022

Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000

Colorectal cancer

Men, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000

Women, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000

Men, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2057
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2057
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Pancreatic cancer

Men, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000

Women, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000

Men, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2057
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2057
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Gallbladder cancer

Men, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Indicence per 100,000

Women, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Indicence per 100,000

Men, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2057
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2057
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Kidney cancer

Men, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000

Women, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000

Men, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2057
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2057
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Cancer of the uterus

Women, 2022

Age:20+
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000

Women, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2057
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates 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, 2021

Age:20-79
Area covered:National
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation.  IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th edn. Brussels, Belgium:International Diabetes Federation, 2021. http://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Age-adjusted comparative prevalence of diabetes, %

Adults, 2019

Age:20-79
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edn. Brussels,Belgium: 2019. Available at: https://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Diabetes age-adjusted comparative 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 (%).

Ovarian Cancer

Women, 2022

Age:20+
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000

Leukemia

Men, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Liver and intrahepatic bile duct Cancer

Men, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000

Women, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000

Multiple Myeloma

Men, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Indicence per 100,000
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Indicence per 100,000
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Non Hodgkin Lymphoma

Men, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Thyroid Cancer

Men, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000

Women, 2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24]
Definitions:Incidence per 100,000

Economic impact of overweight and obesity

Country comparisons

You can choose to compare this country’s data with the data for up to four other countries.

Policies, Interventions and Actions

National Nutrition Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2025

The Strategy and Action Plan includes a target of no increase in the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity by 2025.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2021-2025
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan
Linked document:Download linked document

Nutrition Dietary Guidelines for School Children in Bhutan

The Bhutan Food and Dietary Guidelines for School-Aged Children provides clear, simple advice on the amount and kinds of foods school aged children need each day to achieve good health and nutrition. Different ages, gender, size, and physical activity all affect how much each child will need to meet their requirements. The amount of food needed for different age groups is set out in the servings and the type of food is set out in the food group. These guidelines are adapted from the Ministry of Health Adult guidelines from 2011.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2021 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Royal Government of Bhutan, Ministry of Education
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Nutrition dietary guidelines for school children in Bhutan. Ministry of Education 2021

NCD Country Profiles 2018 (Obesity Targets)

The profiles also provide data on the key metabolic risk factors, namely raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose and obesity and National Targets on Obesity (as of 2017)

Categories:Evidence of Obesity Target
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:World Health Organisation
References:Noncommunicable diseases country profiles 2018. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.

THE MULTISECTORAL NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES

An overview of the national actions implemented to control and prevent non communicable diseases.

Categories:Evidence of NCD strategy
Year(s):2015-2020
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Royal Government of Bhutan
Find out more:extranet.who.int
References:Anon (n.d.) Royal Government of Bhutan THE MULTISECTORAL NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES. [Online]. Available from: https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/sites/default/files/BTN%202015%20NCD%20Action%20Plan_1.pdf [Accessed: 13 July 2020bh].‌ Please note the GINA website has been replaced by the GIFNA database and the GINA link will no longer work. You will find this document by searching this new database: https://gifna.who.int/

Food and Nutrition Security Policy of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2014

A document outlining the nutritional goals and policies in Bhutan.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2014 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Government of Bhutan
Find out more:www.gov.bm
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Anon (n.d.) Food and Nutrition Security Policy of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2014 i. [Online]. Available from: https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/sites/default/files/BTN_FNS_Policy_2014.pdf [Accessed: 13 July 2020]. ‌ Please note the GINA website has been replaced by the GIFNA database and the GINA link will no longer work. You will find this document by searching this new database: https://gifna.who.int/

National adolescent Health Strategic Plan 2013-2018

Aims to guide implementation of health and other social support services for adolescents and youths in the country

Categories (partial):Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Evidence of NCD strategy
Year(s):2013-2018
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Adolescent Health Programme_x000D__x000D_ Department of Public Health_x000D__x000D_ Ministry of Health
Find out more:www.health.gov.bt
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Adolescent Health Programme, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health. National Adolescent_x000D__x000D_ Health Strategic Plan 2013-2018. Available from: http://www.health.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/ftps/iec/National%20Adolescent%20Health%20Strategic%20Plan%202013-2018.pdf [Accessed February 2019].

Bhutan Physical Activity Guideline

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2011 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Linked document:Download linked document

National Youth Policy

Guidelines for improving national health of youth in an attempt to give them a better future.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2011 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Department of Youth and SportsMinistry of EducationRoyal Government of Bhutan
Find out more:www.education.gov.bt
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Anon (n.d.) NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY Department of Youth and Sports Ministry of Education Royal Government of Bhutan 2011. [Online]. Available from: http://www.education.gov.bt/wp-content/downloads/publications/publication/youth-policy-1.pdf [Accessed: 13 July 2020ag].‌

National Policy and Strategic Frame-Work on Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases

Strategies to improve nutrition of the population and promote healthy eating to prevent NCDs, multiple strategies that include food supply, food access and choice, will be employed. Implemented will be through a broad population-based approach and targeted interventions to reach individuals and communities with high risk dietary habits. Strategies that aim to educate the general population and those already experiencing abnormal blood pressure, abnormal sugar and lipid level and unhealthy weight gains to prevent and manage these problems through active health sector and community based activities.

Categories:Evidence of NCD strategy
Year(s):2009 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Government of Bhutan
Find out more:extranet.who.int
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Anon (n.d.) Policy - National Policy and Strategic Frame-Work on Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases | Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA). [Online]. extranet.who.int. Available from: https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/26364. ‌ Please note the GINA website has been replaced by the GIFNA database and the GINA link will no longer work. You will find this document by searching this new database: https://gifna.who.int/

GNPR 2016-17 (q7) Breastfeeeding promotion and/or counselling

WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 reported the evidence of breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling (q7)

Categories:Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Ministry of Health (information provided by the GINA progam)
Find out more:extranet.who.int
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en Please note the GINA website has been replaced by the GIFNA database and the GINA link will no longer work. You will find this document by searching this new database: https://gifna.who.int/

No actions could be found for the above criteria.

Contextual factors

Disclaimer: These contextual factors should be interpreted with care. Results are updated as regularly as possible and use very specific criteria. The criteria used and full definitions are available for download at the bottom of this page.

Tap on a tick to find out more about policies influencing this factor.

Labelling

Is there mandatory nutrition labelling?Absent
Front-of-package labelling?Absent
Back-of-pack nutrition declaration?Absent
Color coding?Absent
Warning label?Absent

Regulation and marketing

Are there fiscal policies on unhealthy products?Absent
Tax on unhealthy foods?Absent
Tax on unhealthy drinks?Absent
Are there fiscal policies on healthy products?Absent
Subsidy on fruits?Absent
Subsidy on vegetables?Absent
Subsidy on other healthy products?Absent
Mandatory limit or ban of trans fat (all settings)?Absent
Mandatory limit of trans fats in place (all settings)? Absent
Ban on trans-fats or phos in place (all settings)? Absent
Are there any mandatory policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Absent
Mandatory restriction on broadcast media?Absent
Mandatory restriction on non-broadcast media?Absent
Voluntary policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Absent
Are there mandatory standards for food in schools?Absent
Are there any mandatory nutrient limits in any manufactured food products?Absent
Nutrition standards for public sector procurement?Absent

Political will and support

National obesity strategy or nutrition and physical activity national strategy?Absent
National obesity strategy?Absent
National childhood obesity strategy?Absent
Comprehensive nutrition strategy?Absent
Comprehensive physical activity strategy?Absent
Evidence-based dietary guidelines and/or RDAs?Present
National target(s) on reducing obesity?Present
Guidelines/policy on obesity treatment?Absent
Promotion of breastfeeding?Absent

Monitoring and surveillance

Monitoring of the prevalence and incidence for the main obesity-related NCDs and risk factors?Present
Within 5 years?Present

Governance and resource

Multi-sectoral national co-ordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)?Absent

Key

Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown

Last updated September 13, 2022

See more policies here

Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions

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