Chile
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Health systems
- Policies
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National obesity risk *7.5/10This 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 *8.5/11This 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
Soft drink consumption
Fruit consumption
Vegetable consumption
Fast food 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.Download report card
Comorbidities
Health systems
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2016-2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 6233 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Encuesta Nacional de Salud. Chile. 2016-2017 https://www.minsal.cl/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ENS-2016-17_PRIMEROS-RESULTADOS.pdf (Last accessed 04.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2009-2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 5416 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Encuesta Nacional de Salud. Chile. 2009-2010. https://www.minsal.cl/portal/url/item/bcb03d7bc28b64dfe040010165012d23.pdf (Last accessed 04.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2003
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 17+ |
| Sample size: | 3619 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2003 ENS Report. Final results on the National Health Survey. Http://epi.minsal.cl/epi/html/invest/ENS/informeFinalENS.pdf. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1992
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | Not specified |
| References: | Uauy R, Albal C, Kain J. Obesity Trends in Latin America: Transiting from Under-to Overweight. Journal of Nutrition 2001;131:S893-S899 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1988
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | Not specified |
| References: | Berrios X, Jadue I, Zenteno J, Ross MI, Rodriguez H. Prevalencia de factores de riesgo para enfermedades cronicas. Estudio de la poblacion general de la region Metropolitana, 1986-1987. Rev. Med. Chile. 1990;118:597-604 |
| Notes: | Urban population |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2013
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 13-17 |
| Sample size: | 2049 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), Fact Sheet available at https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/2013_Chile_GSHS_fact_sheet.pdf |
| Notes: | WHO cutoffs. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6 |
| Sample size: | 17080 (4-6 year olds) |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Kain J, Uauy R, Vio F and Albana. 2002. Trends of overwieght and obesity prevalence in Chilean children: comparism of three definitions. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 56: 200 - 204. |
| 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 |
Children, 2000
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6 |
| Sample size: | 199444 |
| References: | Kain J, Uauy R, Vio F, Albala C. Trends in overweight and obesity prevalence in Chilean children: comparison of three definitions. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2002;56:200-204 |
| 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 |
Children, 1990
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6 |
| Sample size: | Not specified |
| References: | Kain J, Uauy R, Vio F, Albala C. Trends in overweight and obesity prevalence in Chilean children: comparison of three definitions. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2002;56:200-204 |
| 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 |
Children, 1987
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6 |
| Sample size: | 166891 |
| References: | Kain J, Uauy R, Vio F, Albala C. Trends in overweight and obesity prevalence in Chilean children: comparison of three definitions. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2002;56:200-204 |
| 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, 1988-2017
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1988: Berrios X, Jadue I, Zenteno J, Ross MI, Rodriguez H. Prevalencia de factores de riesgo para enfermedades cronicas. Estudio de la poblacion general de la region Metropolitana, 1986-1987. Rev. Med. Chile. 1990;118:597-604 1992: Uauy R, Albal C, Kain J. Obesity Trends in Latin America: Transiting from Under-to Overweight. Journal of Nutrition 2001;131:S893-S899 2003: 2003 ENS Report. Final results on the National Health Survey. Http://epi.minsal.cl/epi/html/invest/ENS/informeFinalENS.pdf. 2009: Encuesta Nacional de Salud. Chile. 2009-2010. https://www.minsal.cl/portal/url/item/bcb03d7bc28b64dfe040010165012d23.pdf (Last accessed 04.08.20) 2016: Encuesta Nacional de Salud. Chile. 2016-2017 https://www.minsal.cl/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ENS-2016-17_PRIMEROS-RESULTADOS.pdf (Last accessed 04.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| 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. | |
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1988: Berrios X, Jadue I, Zenteno J, Ross MI, Rodriguez H. Prevalencia de factores de riesgo para enfermedades cronicas. Estudio de la poblacion general de la region Metropolitana, 1986-1987. Rev. Med. Chile. 1990;118:597-604 1992: Uauy R, Albal C, Kain J. Obesity Trends in Latin America: Transiting from Under-to Overweight. Journal of Nutrition 2001;131:S893-S899 2003: 2003 ENS Report. Final results on the National Health Survey. Http://epi.minsal.cl/epi/html/invest/ENS/informeFinalENS.pdf. 2009: Encuesta Nacional de Salud. Chile. 2009-2010. https://www.minsal.cl/portal/url/item/bcb03d7bc28b64dfe040010165012d23.pdf (Last accessed 04.08.20) 2016: Encuesta Nacional de Salud. Chile. 2016-2017 https://www.minsal.cl/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ENS-2016-17_PRIMEROS-RESULTADOS.pdf (Last accessed 04.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| 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 overweight or obesity, 1988-2017
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1988: Berrios X, Jadue I, Zenteno J, Ross MI, Rodriguez H. Prevalencia de factores de riesgo para enfermedades cronicas. Estudio de la poblacion general de la region Metropolitana, 1986-1987. Rev. Med. Chile. 1990;118:597-604 1992: Uauy R, Albal C, Kain J. Obesity Trends in Latin America: Transiting from Under-to Overweight. Journal of Nutrition 2001;131:S893-S899 2003: 2003 ENS Report. Final results on the National Health Survey. Http://epi.minsal.cl/epi/html/invest/ENS/informeFinalENS.pdf. 2009: Encuesta Nacional de Salud. Chile. 2009-2010. https://www.minsal.cl/portal/url/item/bcb03d7bc28b64dfe040010165012d23.pdf (Last accessed 04.08.20) 2016: Encuesta Nacional de Salud. Chile. 2016-2017 https://www.minsal.cl/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ENS-2016-17_PRIMEROS-RESULTADOS.pdf (Last accessed 04.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| 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. | |
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1988: Berrios X, Jadue I, Zenteno J, Ross MI, Rodriguez H. Prevalencia de factores de riesgo para enfermedades cronicas. Estudio de la poblacion general de la region Metropolitana, 1986-1987. Rev. Med. Chile. 1990;118:597-604 1992: Uauy R, Albal C, Kain J. Obesity Trends in Latin America: Transiting from Under-to Overweight. Journal of Nutrition 2001;131:S893-S899 2003: 2003 ENS Report. Final results on the National Health Survey. Http://epi.minsal.cl/epi/html/invest/ENS/informeFinalENS.pdf. 2009: Encuesta Nacional de Salud. Chile. 2009-2010. https://www.minsal.cl/portal/url/item/bcb03d7bc28b64dfe040010165012d23.pdf (Last accessed 04.08.20) 2016: Encuesta Nacional de Salud. Chile. 2016-2017 https://www.minsal.cl/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ENS-2016-17_PRIMEROS-RESULTADOS.pdf (Last accessed 04.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| 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. | |
% Children living with overweight or obesity, 1987-2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1987, 1990, 2000: Kain J, Uauy R, Vio F, Albala C. Trends in overweight and obesity prevalence in Chilean children: comparison of three definitions. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2002;56:200-204 2002: Kain J, Uauy R, Vio F and Albana. 2002. Trends of overwieght and obesity prevalence in Chilean children: comparism of three definitions. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 56: 200 - 204. |
| 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, selected countries, 1960-2020
Men
| References: | 1960, 1971, 1973, 1976, 1991: Flegal KM, Carroll MD, Kuczmarski RJ, Johnson CL. Overweight and obesity in the United States: prevalence and trends, 1960-1994. International Journal of Obesity (1998);22:39-47 1975: Monteiro CA, Conde WL, Popking BM. Is obesity replacing or adding to undernutrition? Evidence from different social classes in Brazil. 2002. Public Health Nutrition:51(1A), 105-112 1988: Berrios X, Jadue I, Zenteno J, Ross MI, Rodriguez H. Prevalencia de factores de riesgo para enfermedades cronicas. Estudio de la poblacion general de la region Metropolitana, 1986-1987. Rev. Med. Chile. 1990;118:597-604 1992, 1994, 1995: Martorell R, Khan LK, Hughes ML, Grummer Strawn LM. Obesity in women from developing countries. EJCN (2000) 54;247-252 1997: Filozof C, Gonzales C, Sereday M, Mazza C, Braguinsky J. Obesity prevalence and trends in Latin American countries. Obesity Reviews, 2001;2:99-196 1998: http://www.unscn.org/layout/modules/resources/files/rwns5.pdf; MEAN BMI Data DHS Survey 1999: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ 2000: Demographic Health Survey, Peru 2000 2001: Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Curtin LR, McDowell MA, Tabak CJ, Flegal KM. Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in the United States, 1999-2004. JAMA 2006;295(13):1549-1555 2002: Monteiro CA, Conde WL and Popkin BA. (2007). Income-specific trends in obesity in Brazil: 1975 - 2003. American Journal of Public Health, 97 (10): 1808 - 1812. 2003: 2003 ENS Report. Final results on the National Health Survey. Http://epi.minsal.cl/epi/html/invest/ENS/informeFinalENS.pdf. 2005: Demographic Health Survey 2006. 2006: Olaiz-Fernández G, Rivera-Dommarco J, Shamah-Levy T, Rojas R, Villalpando-Hernández S, Hernández-Avila M, Sepúlveda-Amor J. Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2006. Cuernavaca, México: Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, 2006. (National Health and Nutrition Survey 2006). 2007: DHS 2007 - 2008 2008: Ramirez-Zea M, Kroker-Lobos MF, Close-Fernandez R, Kanter R. The double burden of malnutrition in indigenous and nonindigenous Guatemalan populations. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Dec;100(6):1644S-51S. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.114.083857 2009: 1-4th Argentinian National Survey of Risk Factors (Encuesta Nacional de Factores de Riesgo). 4th (2018) Survey 2010: Demographic Health Survey 2010 2011: Ruopeng An, “Prevalence and Trends of Adult Obesity in the US, 1999–2012”, ISRN Obesity, vol. 2014, Article ID 185132, 6 pages, 2014. doi:10.1155/2014/185132 2012: Demographic Health Survey Haiti 2012 2013: DHS Peru 2013 2014: Demographic Health Survey, Guatemala 2014-15 2015: NHANES 2015/16. Analysis conducted by the World Obesity Federation, Caroline Litts, Fiona Montague & R Jackson-Leach 2017 2016: Encuesta Nacional de Salud. Chile. 2016-2017 https://www.minsal.cl/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ENS-2016-17_PRIMEROS-RESULTADOS.pdf (Last accessed 04.08.20) 2017: Pickens, C. M., Flores-Ayala, R., Addo, O. Y., Whitehead, R. D., Jr, Palmieri, M., Ramirez-Zea, M., Hong, Y., & Jefferds, M. E. (2020). Prevalence and Predictors of High Blood Pressure Among Women of Reproductive Age and Children Aged 10 to 14 Years in Guatemala. Preventing chronic disease, 17, E66. https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd17.190403 2018: 4th National Survey, Full report available at http://www.msal.gob.ar/images/stories/bes/graficos/0000001622cnt-2019-10_4ta-encuesta-nacional-factores-riesgo.pdf (last accessed 29.04.20) 2019: Bahamas STEPS Survey (Preliminary results) https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/connect/891fac39-ad7d-4aa8-ac54-39912a1afcea/Preliminary+Factsheet+v7+%28med+resl%27n%29.pdf?MOD=AJPERES (Accessed 03.11.2020) 2020: Shamah-Levy T, Romero-Martínez M, Barrientos-Gutiérrez T, Cuevas-Nasu L, Bautista-Arredondo S, Colchero MA, GaonaPineda EB, Lazcano-Ponce E, Martínez-Barnetche J, Alpuche-Arana C, Rivera-Dommarco J. Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2020 sobre Covid-19. Resultados nacionales. Cuernavaca, México: Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, 2021. https://ensanut.insp.mx/encuestas/ensanutcontinua2020/doctos/informes/ensanutCovid19ResultadosNacionales.pdf (Accessed 11.01.2022) |
| 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. | |
Women
| References: | 1960, 1971, 1973, 1976, 1991: Flegal KM, Carroll MD, Kuczmarski RJ, Johnson CL. Overweight and obesity in the United States: prevalence and trends, 1960-1994. International Journal of Obesity (1998);22:39-47 1975: Monteiro CA, Conde WL, Popking BM. Is obesity replacing or adding to undernutrition? Evidence from different social classes in Brazil. 2002. Public Health Nutrition:51(1A), 105-112 1988: Berrios X, Jadue I, Zenteno J, Ross MI, Rodriguez H. Prevalencia de factores de riesgo para enfermedades cronicas. Estudio de la poblacion general de la region Metropolitana, 1986-1987. Rev. Med. Chile. 1990;118:597-604 1992, 1994, 1995: Martorell R, Khan LK, Hughes ML, Grummer Strawn LM. Obesity in women from developing countries. EJCN (2000) 54;247-252 1997: Filozof C, Gonzales C, Sereday M, Mazza C, Braguinsky J. Obesity prevalence and trends in Latin American countries. Obesity Reviews, 2001;2:99-196 1998: http://www.unscn.org/layout/modules/resources/files/rwns5.pdf; MEAN BMI Data DHS Survey 1999: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ 2000: Demographic Health Survey, Peru 2000 2001: Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Curtin LR, McDowell MA, Tabak CJ, Flegal KM. Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in the United States, 1999-2004. JAMA 2006;295(13):1549-1555 2002: Monteiro CA, Conde WL and Popkin BA. (2007). Income-specific trends in obesity in Brazil: 1975 - 2003. American Journal of Public Health, 97 (10): 1808 - 1812. 2003: 2003 ENS Report. Final results on the National Health Survey. Http://epi.minsal.cl/epi/html/invest/ENS/informeFinalENS.pdf. 2005: Demographic Health Survey 2006. 2006: Olaiz-Fernández G, Rivera-Dommarco J, Shamah-Levy T, Rojas R, Villalpando-Hernández S, Hernández-Avila M, Sepúlveda-Amor J. Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2006. Cuernavaca, México: Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, 2006. (National Health and Nutrition Survey 2006). 2007: DHS 2007 - 2008 2008: Ramirez-Zea M, Kroker-Lobos MF, Close-Fernandez R, Kanter R. The double burden of malnutrition in indigenous and nonindigenous Guatemalan populations. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Dec;100(6):1644S-51S. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.114.083857 2009: 1-4th Argentinian National Survey of Risk Factors (Encuesta Nacional de Factores de Riesgo). 4th (2018) Survey 2010: Demographic Health Survey 2010 2011: Ruopeng An, “Prevalence and Trends of Adult Obesity in the US, 1999–2012”, ISRN Obesity, vol. 2014, Article ID 185132, 6 pages, 2014. doi:10.1155/2014/185132 2012: Demographic Health Survey Haiti 2012 2013: DHS Peru 2013 2014: Demographic Health Survey, Guatemala 2014-15 2015: NHANES 2015/16. Analysis conducted by the World Obesity Federation, Caroline Litts, Fiona Montague & R Jackson-Leach 2017 2016: Encuesta Nacional de Salud. Chile. 2016-2017 https://www.minsal.cl/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ENS-2016-17_PRIMEROS-RESULTADOS.pdf (Last accessed 04.08.20) 2017: Pickens, C. M., Flores-Ayala, R., Addo, O. Y., Whitehead, R. D., Jr, Palmieri, M., Ramirez-Zea, M., Hong, Y., & Jefferds, M. E. (2020). Prevalence and Predictors of High Blood Pressure Among Women of Reproductive Age and Children Aged 10 to 14 Years in Guatemala. Preventing chronic disease, 17, E66. https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd17.190403 2018: 4th National Survey, Full report available at http://www.msal.gob.ar/images/stories/bes/graficos/0000001622cnt-2019-10_4ta-encuesta-nacional-factores-riesgo.pdf (last accessed 29.04.20) 2019: Bahamas STEPS Survey (Preliminary results) https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/connect/891fac39-ad7d-4aa8-ac54-39912a1afcea/Preliminary+Factsheet+v7+%28med+resl%27n%29.pdf?MOD=AJPERES (Accessed 03.11.2020) 2020: Shamah-Levy T, Romero-Martínez M, Barrientos-Gutiérrez T, Cuevas-Nasu L, Bautista-Arredondo S, Colchero MA, GaonaPineda EB, Lazcano-Ponce E, Martínez-Barnetche J, Alpuche-Arana C, Rivera-Dommarco J. Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2020 sobre Covid-19. Resultados nacionales. Cuernavaca, México: Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, 2021. https://ensanut.insp.mx/encuestas/ensanutcontinua2020/doctos/informes/ensanutCovid19ResultadosNacionales.pdf (Accessed 11.01.2022) |
| 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, selected countries, 1960-2019
Men
| References: | 1960, 1971, 1973, 1976, 1991: Flegal KM, Carroll MD, Kuczmarski RJ, Johnson CL. Overweight and obesity in the United States: prevalence and trends, 1960-1994. International Journal of Obesity (1998);22:39-47 1975: Monteiro CA, Conde WL, Popking BM. Is obesity replacing or adding to undernutrition? Evidence from different social classes in Brazil. 2002. Public Health Nutrition:51(1A), 105-112 1981: Royal College of Physicians (1983). Obesity. Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London Vol 17 (No 1) January 1983 1982: Rodriguez-Ojea A, Jimenez S, Berdasco A, Esquivel M. The nutrition transition in Cuba in the nineties:an overview. Public health Nutrition 2002:5(1A), 129-133 1985: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 Aug;29(8):916-24 1986: Yoshiike N, Seino F, Tajima S, Arai Y, Kawano M, Furuhata T, Inoue S. Twenty-year changes in the prevalence of overweight in Japanese adults: The National Nutrition Survey 1976-95. Obesity Reviews 2002;3:183-190 1988: Berrios X, Jadue I, Zenteno J, Ross MI, Rodriguez H. Prevalencia de factores de riesgo para enfermedades cronicas. Estudio de la poblacion general de la region Metropolitana, 1986-1987. Rev. Med. Chile. 1990;118:597-604 1990: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 online published ahead of print. 1992: Uauy R, Albal C, Kain J. Obesity Trends in Latin America: Transiting from Under-to Overweight. Journal of Nutrition 2001;131:S893-S899 1993: Health Survey for England 1993. 1995: Health Survey for England 1995. 1996: Health Survey for England 1996. 1997: Health Survey for England 1997. 1998: Rodriguez-Ojea A, Jimenez S, Berdasco A and Esquivel M. (2002). The Nutrition transition in Cuba in the nineties: an overview. Public Health Nutrition, 5 (1A): 129 - 133. 1999: Health Survey for England 1999. 2000: Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Curtin LR, McDowell MA, Tabak CJ, Flegal KM. Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in the United States, 1999-2004. JAMA 2006;295(13):1549-1555 2001: Health Survey for England 2001. 2002: Berg C, Rosengeren A, Aires N, Lappas G, Toren K, Thelle D and Lissner L. (2005). Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO, 29 (8): 916 - 924. 2003: Health Survey for England 2003. 2004: Health Survey for England 2004. 2005: Health Survey for England 2005. 2006: Health Survey for England 2006. 2007: Craig R and Shelton N. (2008). Health Survey for England 2007. Healthy Lifestyles: Knowledge, attitudes and Behaviour. Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, Leeds. 2008: Health Survey for England 2008. 2009: Health Survey for England 2009 2010: Health Survey for England 2010 2011: Health Survey for England 2011 (http://www.ic.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=10152&returnid=1685 last accessed 7th January 2013) 2012: Health survey for England 2012 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB13219 2013: Health Survey for England 2013 2014: Health Survey for England 2014 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19297 (last accessed 16th December 2015) 2015: Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14th December 2016) 2016: Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (last accessed 13 December 2017) 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) 2018: Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) 2019: Scottish Health Survey 2019. https://www.gov.scot/collections/scottish-health-survey/ (last accessed 30.09.20) |
| 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. | |
Women
| References: | 1960, 1971, 1973, 1976, 1991: Flegal KM, Carroll MD, Kuczmarski RJ, Johnson CL. Overweight and obesity in the United States: prevalence and trends, 1960-1994. International Journal of Obesity (1998);22:39-47 1975: Monteiro CA, Conde WL, Popking BM. Is obesity replacing or adding to undernutrition? Evidence from different social classes in Brazil. 2002. Public Health Nutrition:51(1A), 105-112 1981: Royal College of Physicians (1983). Obesity. Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London Vol 17 (No 1) January 1983 1982: Rodriguez-Ojea A, Jimenez S, Berdasco A, Esquivel M. The nutrition transition in Cuba in the nineties:an overview. Public health Nutrition 2002:5(1A), 129-133 1985: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 Aug;29(8):916-24 1986: Yoshiike N, Seino F, Tajima S, Arai Y, Kawano M, Furuhata T, Inoue S. Twenty-year changes in the prevalence of overweight in Japanese adults: The National Nutrition Survey 1976-95. Obesity Reviews 2002;3:183-190 1988: Berrios X, Jadue I, Zenteno J, Ross MI, Rodriguez H. Prevalencia de factores de riesgo para enfermedades cronicas. Estudio de la poblacion general de la region Metropolitana, 1986-1987. Rev. Med. Chile. 1990;118:597-604 1990: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 online published ahead of print. 1992: Uauy R, Albal C, Kain J. Obesity Trends in Latin America: Transiting from Under-to Overweight. Journal of Nutrition 2001;131:S893-S899 1993: Health Survey for England 1993. 1995: Health Survey for England 1995. 1996: Health Survey for England 1996. 1997: Health Survey for England 1997. 1998: Rodriguez-Ojea A, Jimenez S, Berdasco A and Esquivel M. (2002). The Nutrition transition in Cuba in the nineties: an overview. Public Health Nutrition, 5 (1A): 129 - 133. 1999: Health Survey for England 1999. 2000: Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Curtin LR, McDowell MA, Tabak CJ, Flegal KM. Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in the United States, 1999-2004. JAMA 2006;295(13):1549-1555 2001: Health Survey for England 2001. 2002: Berg C, Rosengeren A, Aires N, Lappas G, Toren K, Thelle D and Lissner L. (2005). Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO, 29 (8): 916 - 924. 2003: Health Survey for England 2003. 2004: Health Survey for England 2004. 2005: Health Survey for England 2005. 2006: Health Survey for England 2006. 2007: Craig R and Shelton N. (2008). Health Survey for England 2007. Healthy Lifestyles: Knowledge, attitudes and Behaviour. Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, Leeds. 2008: Health Survey for England 2008. 2009: Health Survey for England 2009 2010: Health Survey for England 2010 2011: Health Survey for England 2011 (http://www.ic.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=10152&returnid=1685 last accessed 7th January 2013) 2012: Health survey for England 2012 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB13219 2013: Health Survey for England 2013 2014: Health Survey for England 2014 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19297 (last accessed 16th December 2015) 2015: Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14th December 2016) 2016: Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (last accessed 13 December 2017) 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) 2018: Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) 2019: Scottish Health Survey 2019. https://www.gov.scot/collections/scottish-health-survey/ (last accessed 30.09.20) |
| 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 education
Adults, 2016-2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 6233 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Encuesta Nacional de Salud. Chile. 2016-2017 https://www.minsal.cl/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ENS-2016-17_PRIMEROS-RESULTADOS.pdf (Last accessed 04.08.20) |
| 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
Adults, 2016-2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 6233 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Encuesta Nacional de Salud. Chile. 2016-2017 https://www.minsal.cl/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ENS-2016-17_PRIMEROS-RESULTADOS.pdf (Last accessed 04.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
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, 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) |
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) |
Average daily frequency of carbonated soft drink consumption
Children, 2009-2015
| 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 |
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, 2009-2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 12-17 |
| 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, 2009-2015
| 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) |
Average weekly frequency of fast food consumption
Children, 2009-2015
| 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 |
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, 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 (%). |
Health systems
Economic classification: High Income
Health systems summary
Chile has a mixed public/private health insurance system that together provides universal health coverage. All workers must use 7% of their income to pay for health insurance but individuals can choose to contribute to the public insurance provided by Fondo Nacional de Salud or to private insurance provided by Instituciones de Salud Previsional. Coverage under the two types of insurance are not identical, there are differences between and within them and this is often based on contribution (and therefore an individual’s income). Approximately 78% of the population is covered by public insurance, including most of the rural and urban poor and retirees. On the other hand, private insurers covers a smaller but wealthier segment of the population, creating inequality in risk pooling between the two insurance types.
General taxation and out of pocket expenditure are used to supplement the insurances. Out of pocket expenditure remains high (at approximately 38% of total health expenditure), so financial protection in Chile is considered to be poor.
Indicators
| Where is the country’s government in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | Some progress |
| 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? | No |
| Have any taxes or subsidies been put in place to protect/assist/inform the population around obesity? | Yes |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in urban areas? | Some progress |
| 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
Stakeholders acknowledged that Chile has adopted and implemented a handful of initiatives and laws to address obesity, including regulations on the advertisement and labelling of foods and restricted access to unhealthy products in schools. Despite this, it was considered that efforts were insufficient and inefficient, with improved investment and a more intersectoral approach needed. In short, it was felt that although the government talked about obesity as an epidemic, it did not yet treat obesity as a disease.
Similarly, it was judged that healthcare providers too do not treatment obesity as a disease. Availability and coverage of obesity treatment was reported to be poor in both the public and private system as obesity is believed to be an aesthetic issue rather than a medical one. However, obesity treatment was considered to be better provided for in the private system as other ailments took priority in the public system and there were better trained professionals in the private system.
It was suggested that those with obesity would become eligible for treatment when their BMI was 30 kg/m² or above, with people entering the system via primary care in the public system and by going straight to a specialist in the private system. However, the few options in the public system, poor insurance coverage and long waiting lists mean that many fall out the system without receiving adequate treatment. The result is mass undertreatment of obesity in Chile.
Stakeholders noted that there are no guidelines or recommendations for obesity treatment for adults nor children, and obesity did not feature heavily in any non-communicable disease strategies. They also highlighted that there is limited to no specialist obesity training available for health professionals, with SCOPE seemingly the only notable option. The availability of suitably trained, qualified professionals was therefore considered limited in urban areas but worse in rural areas.
Based on interviews/survey returns from 8 stakeholders
Last updated: June 2020
