Colombia
Upper-middle income
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Economic impact
- Policies
- Contextual factors
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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 *6.5/11This 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).
Report cards
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Population breakdowns
Drivers
Comorbidities
Oesophageal cancer
Breast cancer
Colorectal cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Gallbladder cancer
Kidney cancer
Cancer of the uterus
Raised blood pressure
Raised cholesterol
Raised fasting blood glucose
Diabetes prevalence
Ovarian Cancer
Leukemia
Liver & bile duct cancer
Mulitple Myeloma
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
Thyroid Cancer
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Economic impact
Policies
National Obesity Strategy
Nutritional or Health Strategy
Marketing
Physical Activity
Tax/Subsidies on Food or Beverages
Community Interventions
Transnational Obesity Strategies
Labelling
Training
Non-national strategies
School Food Regulations/Guidelines
Breastfeeding
Multisectoral national mechanism for obesity
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Contextual factors
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2015-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-64 |
| Sample size: | 74,922 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | ENSIN 2015. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 18.07.25) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 43723 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Ojeda, Gabriel, Myriam Ordonez, and Luis Hernando Ochoa. 2011. Colombia Encuesta Nacional de Demografía y Salud 2010. Bogotá, Colombia: Profamilia. |
| Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-64 |
| Sample size: | 162331 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | ENSIN 2010. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 05.10.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2005
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 38143 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Ojeda, Gabriel, Myriam Ordonez, and Luis Hernando Ochoa. 2005. Colombia Salud Sexual y Reproductiva: Resultados Encuesta Nacional de Demografía y Salud 2005. Bogotá, Colombia: Profamilia. |
| Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2004-2005
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-64 |
| Sample size: | 65,178 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar. Encuesta Nacional de la Situación Nutricional (ENSIN), 2005. (2006). Available at: https://www.icbf.gov.co/sites/default/files/libro_2005.pdf [Accessed 18.07.25] |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2000
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 3070 |
| References: | SCN (2004). 5th Report on the World Nutrition Situation. Nutrition for Improved Development Outcomes. Appendix 11 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 1995
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 3319 |
| References: | Martorell R, Khan LK, Hughes ML, Grummer Strawn LM. Obesity in women from developing countries. EJCN (2000) 54;247-252 |
| Notes: | The data from this paper was sourced from the Demographic Health Survey Programme https://dhsprogram.com/ Central Statistical Office and Macro International. Calverton, Maryland, USA |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2015-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 13-17 |
| Sample size: | 12,918 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Libro ENSIN 2015. (2020). Available at: https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ [Accessed 17.07.25] |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2015-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-12 |
| Sample size: | 21,621 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Libro ENSIN 2015. (2020). Available at: https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ [Accessed 17.07.25] |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 13-17 |
| Sample size: | 18177 |
| References: | Rincón-Pabón, D., Urazán-Hernández, Y., & González-Santamaría, J. (2019). Association between the time spent watching television and the sociodemographic characteristics with the presence of overweight and obesity in Colombian adolescents (secondary analysis of the ENSIN 2010). PloS one, 14(5), e0216455. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0216455 |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-9 |
| Sample size: | 19,369 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | ENSIN 2010. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ [Accessed 18.07.25] |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-17 |
| Sample size: | 49,877 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | ENSIN 2010. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ [Accessed 18.07.25] |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2004-2005
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-9 |
| Sample size: | 14,591 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar. Encuesta Nacional de la Situación Nutricional (ENSIN), 2005. (2006). Available at: https://www.icbf.gov.co/sites/default/files/libro_2005.pdf [Accessed 18.07.25] |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
0-5 years, 2015-2016
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 4082658 |
| References: | NNS: Colombia National Survey of the Nutritional Situation 2015 |
| 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, 2009-2010
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 15794 |
| References: | DHS: Encuesta Nacional de la Situacion Nutricional en Colombia 2010 |
| 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, 2004-2005
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 12823 |
| References: | DHS: Encuesta Nacional de la Situacion Nutricional en Colombia (ENSIN) 2005 |
| 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, 2000
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 4080 |
| References: | DHS: Salud sexual y reproductiva en Colombia, encuesta nacional de demografia y salud 2000. Demographic and Health Surveys. Bogota, Colombia: PROFAMILIA, 2000 |
| 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, 1995
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 4426 |
| References: | DHS: Encuesta nacional de demografia y salud 1995. Demographic and Health Surveys. Bogota, Colombia, 1995 |
| 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 |
Girls, 1995
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 4427 |
| References: | DHS: Encuesta nacional de demografia y salud 1995. Demographic and Health Surveys. Bogota, Colombia, 1995 |
| 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
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 1328 |
| References: | DHS: Tercera encuesta nacional de prevalencia del uso de anticonceptivos y primera de demografia y salud, 1986. Demographic and Health Surveys. Institute for Resource Development. Bogota, Colombia, 1988 |
| 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 |
% Adults living with obesity in Colombia, 2004-2015
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2004: Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar. Encuesta Nacional de la Situación Nutricional (ENSIN), 2005. (2006). Available at: https://www.icbf.gov.co/sites/default/files/libro_2005.pdf [Accessed 18.07.25] 2010: ENSIN 2010. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 05.10.20) 2015: ENSIN 2015. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 18.07.25) |
| 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. | |
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2004: Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar. Encuesta Nacional de la Situación Nutricional (ENSIN), 2005. (2006). Available at: https://www.icbf.gov.co/sites/default/files/libro_2005.pdf [Accessed 18.07.25] 2010: ENSIN 2010. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 05.10.20) 2015: ENSIN 2015. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 18.07.25) |
| 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. | |
Men and women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2004: Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar. Encuesta Nacional de la Situación Nutricional (ENSIN), 2005. (2006). Available at: https://www.icbf.gov.co/sites/default/files/libro_2005.pdf [Accessed 18.07.25] 2010: ENSIN 2010. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 05.10.20) 2015: ENSIN 2015. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 18.07.25) |
| 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 in Colombia, 2004-2015
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2004: Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar. Encuesta Nacional de la Situación Nutricional (ENSIN), 2005. (2006). Available at: https://www.icbf.gov.co/sites/default/files/libro_2005.pdf [Accessed 18.07.25] 2010: ENSIN 2010. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 05.10.20) 2015: ENSIN 2015. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 18.07.25) |
| 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. | |
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2004: Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar. Encuesta Nacional de la Situación Nutricional (ENSIN), 2005. (2006). Available at: https://www.icbf.gov.co/sites/default/files/libro_2005.pdf [Accessed 18.07.25] 2010: ENSIN 2010. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 05.10.20) 2015: ENSIN 2015. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 18.07.25) |
| 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. | |
Men and women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2004: Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar. Encuesta Nacional de la Situación Nutricional (ENSIN), 2005. (2006). Available at: https://www.icbf.gov.co/sites/default/files/libro_2005.pdf [Accessed 18.07.25] 2010: ENSIN 2010. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 05.10.20) 2015: ENSIN 2015. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 18.07.25) |
| 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 obesity in selected countries in the Americas Region 1960-2018, selected countries
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: National Health and Nutrition Survey ftp://ftp.fao.org/es/esn/nutrition/ncp/bah.pdf (last accessed 14th April 2010) 1992: Uauy R, Albal C, Kain J. Obesity Trends in Latin America: Transiting from Under-to Overweight. Journal of Nutrition 2001;131:S893-S899 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: Instituto Nacional de Estadística - INE/Guatemala and Macro International. 1999. Guatemala Encuesta Nacional de Salud Materno Infantil 1998-1999. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Instituto Nacional de Estadística - INE/Guatemala and Macro International. 1999: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ 2000: Personal Communication from Dr C Sanchez Castillio, Body Mass Index cutoff points for Type 2 Diabetes Melliuts and Hypertension in the Mexican National Health Survey 2000. 2001: N Brathwaite, A Brathwaite, M Taylor. The Socio-economic Determinants of Obesity in Adults in the Bahamas.West Indian Med J 2011; 60 (4): 434 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. 2004: Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar. Encuesta Nacional de la Situación Nutricional (ENSIN), 2005. (2006). Available at: https://www.icbf.gov.co/sites/default/files/libro_2005.pdf [Accessed 18.07.25] 2005: Cayemittes, Michel, Marie Florence Placide, Soumaïla Mariko, Bernard Barrère, Blaise Sévère, and Canez Alexandre. 2007. Enquête Mortalité, Morbidité et Utilisation des Services, Haïti, 2005-2006. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population, Institut Haïtien de l’Enfance and Macro International. 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: Flegal KM, Carroll MD, Ogden CL and Curtin LR. (2010). Prevalence and trends in obesity among US adults, 1999-2008. Journal of the American Medical Association, 303 (3): 235 - 241. 2008: Ministério da Saúde. Pesquisa de Orcamentos Familiares 2008-9. Antrompoetria E Esado Nutricional de Crianças, Adolescentes E Adultos No Brasil. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografi a e Estatística (IBGE) 2010. 2009: NHANES Survey - Published in Flegal KM, Carrolll MD, Kit BK, Ogden CL. Prevalence of Obesity and Trends in the Distribution of Body Mass Index Among US Adults, 1999-2010. JAMA Published online January 17, 2012. doi: 10.1001/jama.2012.39 2010: ENSIN 2010. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 05.10.20) 2011: Bahamas STEPS Survey 2012 Fact Sheet available at https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/connect/9cfc74bb-a548-4660-b5b9-f570b47fec71/FactSheet_-2013+BAH+-+060314+Update+Final.pdf?MOD=AJPERES 2012: Cayemittes, Michel, Michelle Fatuma Busangu, Jean de Dieu Bizimana, Bernard Barrère, Blaise Sévère, Viviane Cayemittes and Emmanuel Charles. 2013. Enquête Mortalité, Morbidité et Utilisation des Services, Haïti, 2012. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population - MSPP/Haïti , l’Institut Haïtien de l’Enfance - IHE, and ICF International. 2013: Flegal KM, Kruszon-Moran D, Carroll MD, Fryar CD, Ogden CL. Trends in Obesity Among Adults in the United States, 2005 to 2014. JAMA. 2016;315(21):2284-2291. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.6458. 2014: Ministerio de Salud Pública y Asistencia Social - MSPAS/Guatemala, Instituto Nacional de Estadística - INE/Guatemala, Secretaría de Planificación y Programación del la Presidencia - Segeplán/Guatemala and ICF International. 2017. Encuesta Nacional de Salud Materno Infantil 2014-2015: Informe Final. Rockville, Maryland, USA: MSPAS, INE, Segeplán and ICF International. 2015: ENSIN 2015. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 18.07.25) 2016: Institut Haïtien de l’Enfance - IHE and ICF. 2018. Enquête Mortalité, Morbidité et Utilisation des Services - EMMUS-VI 2016-2017 Pétion-Ville, Haïti, et Rockville, Maryland, USA : IHE et ICF. 2017: Reanalysis of NHANES 2017/18 by Rachel Jackson Leach, Jaynaide Powis World Obesity Federation 2018: 4th National Survey, Full report available at https://www.indec.gob.ar/indec/web/Nivel4-Tema-4-32-68 (last accessed 29.04.20) 2019: Pesquisa nacional de saúde : 2019 : ciclos de vida : Brasil / IBGE, Coordenação de Trabalho e Rendimento. - Rio de Janeiro : IBGE, 2021. Available at https://www.ibge.gov.br/en/statistics/social/health/16840-national-survey-of-health.html?=&t=resultados (last accessed 04.04.23) 2020: INEI (2021) Peru Encuesta Demografica y de Salud Familiar Endes 2020. Available at https://www.inei.gob.pe/media/MenuRecursivo/publicaciones_digitales/Est/Lib1795/ (last accessed 28.03.23) 2021: Shamah-Levy T, Romero-Martínez M, Barrientos-Gutiérrez T, Cuevas-Nasu L, Bautista-Arredondo S, Colchero MA, Gaona-Pineda EB, Lazcano-Ponce E,Martínez-Barnetche J, Alpuche-Arana C, Rivera-Dommarco J. Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2021 sobre Covid-19. Resultados nacionales. Cuernavaca, México: Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, 2022. https://ensanut.insp.mx/encuestas/ensanutcontinua2021/informes.php (Accessed 03.01.2023) 2022: Perú: Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar 2022 - Nacional y Departamental. Available at https://www.gob.pe/institucion/inei/informes-publicaciones/4233597-peru-encuesta-demografica-y-de-salud-familiar-endes-2022 2023: Shamah-Levy T, Lazcano-Ponce EC, Cuevas-Nasu L, Romero-Martínez M, Gaona-Pineda EB, Gómez-Acosta LM, Mendoza-Alvarado LR, Méndez-Gómez-Humarán I. Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición Continua 2023. Resultados Nacionales. Cuernavaca, México: Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, 2024. |
| 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: National Health and Nutrition Survey ftp://ftp.fao.org/es/esn/nutrition/ncp/bah.pdf (last accessed 14th April 2010) 1992: Uauy R, Albal C, Kain J. Obesity Trends in Latin America: Transiting from Under-to Overweight. Journal of Nutrition 2001;131:S893-S899 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: Instituto Nacional de Estadística - INE/Guatemala and Macro International. 1999. Guatemala Encuesta Nacional de Salud Materno Infantil 1998-1999. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Instituto Nacional de Estadística - INE/Guatemala and Macro International. 1999: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ 2000: Personal Communication from Dr C Sanchez Castillio, Body Mass Index cutoff points for Type 2 Diabetes Melliuts and Hypertension in the Mexican National Health Survey 2000. 2001: N Brathwaite, A Brathwaite, M Taylor. The Socio-economic Determinants of Obesity in Adults in the Bahamas.West Indian Med J 2011; 60 (4): 434 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. 2004: Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar. Encuesta Nacional de la Situación Nutricional (ENSIN), 2005. (2006). Available at: https://www.icbf.gov.co/sites/default/files/libro_2005.pdf [Accessed 18.07.25] 2005: Cayemittes, Michel, Marie Florence Placide, Soumaïla Mariko, Bernard Barrère, Blaise Sévère, and Canez Alexandre. 2007. Enquête Mortalité, Morbidité et Utilisation des Services, Haïti, 2005-2006. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population, Institut Haïtien de l’Enfance and Macro International. 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: Flegal KM, Carroll MD, Ogden CL and Curtin LR. (2010). Prevalence and trends in obesity among US adults, 1999-2008. Journal of the American Medical Association, 303 (3): 235 - 241. 2008: Ministério da Saúde. Pesquisa de Orcamentos Familiares 2008-9. Antrompoetria E Esado Nutricional de Crianças, Adolescentes E Adultos No Brasil. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografi a e Estatística (IBGE) 2010. 2009: NHANES Survey - Published in Flegal KM, Carrolll MD, Kit BK, Ogden CL. Prevalence of Obesity and Trends in the Distribution of Body Mass Index Among US Adults, 1999-2010. JAMA Published online January 17, 2012. doi: 10.1001/jama.2012.39 2010: ENSIN 2010. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 05.10.20) 2011: Bahamas STEPS Survey 2012 Fact Sheet available at https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/connect/9cfc74bb-a548-4660-b5b9-f570b47fec71/FactSheet_-2013+BAH+-+060314+Update+Final.pdf?MOD=AJPERES 2012: Cayemittes, Michel, Michelle Fatuma Busangu, Jean de Dieu Bizimana, Bernard Barrère, Blaise Sévère, Viviane Cayemittes and Emmanuel Charles. 2013. Enquête Mortalité, Morbidité et Utilisation des Services, Haïti, 2012. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population - MSPP/Haïti , l’Institut Haïtien de l’Enfance - IHE, and ICF International. 2013: Flegal KM, Kruszon-Moran D, Carroll MD, Fryar CD, Ogden CL. Trends in Obesity Among Adults in the United States, 2005 to 2014. JAMA. 2016;315(21):2284-2291. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.6458. 2014: Ministerio de Salud Pública y Asistencia Social - MSPAS/Guatemala, Instituto Nacional de Estadística - INE/Guatemala, Secretaría de Planificación y Programación del la Presidencia - Segeplán/Guatemala and ICF International. 2017. Encuesta Nacional de Salud Materno Infantil 2014-2015: Informe Final. Rockville, Maryland, USA: MSPAS, INE, Segeplán and ICF International. 2015: ENSIN 2015. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 18.07.25) 2016: Institut Haïtien de l’Enfance - IHE and ICF. 2018. Enquête Mortalité, Morbidité et Utilisation des Services - EMMUS-VI 2016-2017 Pétion-Ville, Haïti, et Rockville, Maryland, USA : IHE et ICF. 2017: Reanalysis of NHANES 2017/18 by Rachel Jackson Leach, Jaynaide Powis World Obesity Federation 2018: 4th National Survey, Full report available at https://www.indec.gob.ar/indec/web/Nivel4-Tema-4-32-68 (last accessed 29.04.20) 2019: Pesquisa nacional de saúde : 2019 : ciclos de vida : Brasil / IBGE, Coordenação de Trabalho e Rendimento. - Rio de Janeiro : IBGE, 2021. Available at https://www.ibge.gov.br/en/statistics/social/health/16840-national-survey-of-health.html?=&t=resultados (last accessed 04.04.23) 2020: INEI (2021) Peru Encuesta Demografica y de Salud Familiar Endes 2020. Available at https://www.inei.gob.pe/media/MenuRecursivo/publicaciones_digitales/Est/Lib1795/ (last accessed 28.03.23) 2021: Shamah-Levy T, Romero-Martínez M, Barrientos-Gutiérrez T, Cuevas-Nasu L, Bautista-Arredondo S, Colchero MA, Gaona-Pineda EB, Lazcano-Ponce E,Martínez-Barnetche J, Alpuche-Arana C, Rivera-Dommarco J. Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2021 sobre Covid-19. Resultados nacionales. Cuernavaca, México: Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, 2022. https://ensanut.insp.mx/encuestas/ensanutcontinua2021/informes.php (Accessed 03.01.2023) 2022: Perú: Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar 2022 - Nacional y Departamental. Available at https://www.gob.pe/institucion/inei/informes-publicaciones/4233597-peru-encuesta-demografica-y-de-salud-familiar-endes-2022 2023: Shamah-Levy T, Lazcano-Ponce EC, Cuevas-Nasu L, Romero-Martínez M, Gaona-Pineda EB, Gómez-Acosta LM, Mendoza-Alvarado LR, Méndez-Gómez-Humarán I. Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición Continua 2023. Resultados Nacionales. Cuernavaca, México: Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, 2024. |
| 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, 2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-75 |
| Sample size: | 1537 |
| Area covered: | Urban |
| References: | Jimenez-Mora, Mario A et al. “Association of Overweight, Obesity and Abdominal Obesity with Socioeconomic Status and Educational Level in Colombia.” Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity : targets and therapy vol. 13 1887-1898. 3 Jun. 2020, doi:10.2147/DMSO.S244761 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2015-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-64 |
| Sample size: | 74,602 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Libro ENSIN 2015. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ [Accessed 18.07.25] |
| Definitions: | Highest level of completed education |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2015-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-12 |
| Sample size: | 21,497 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Libro ENSIN 2015. Available at: https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ [Accessed 18.07.25] |
| Definitions: | Highest level of completed education of the head of household |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Girls, 2009-2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-19 |
| Sample size: | 6658 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Benedict, Rukundo K., Allison Schmale, and Sorrel Namaste. 2018. Adolescent Nutrition 2000-2017: DHS Data on Adolescents Age 15-19. DHS Comparative Report No. 47. Rockville, Maryland, USA: ICF. Ojeda, Gabriel, Myriam Ordonez, and Luis Hernando Ochoa. 2011. Colombia Encuesta Nacional de Demografía y Salud 2010. Bogotá, Colombia: Profamilia. |
| Definitions: | BMI for age: between +1 SD and +2 SD is overweight and greater than +2 SD is obesity |
| Cutoffs: | WHO 2007 |
Children, 2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-12 |
| Sample size: | 3202 |
| Area covered: | City of Bogotá |
| References: | McDonald CM, Baylin A, Arsenault JE, Mora-Plazas M, Villamor E. Overweight Is More Prevalent Than Stunting and Is Associated with Socioeconomic Status, Maternal Obesity, and a Snacking Dietary Pattern in School Children from Bogotá, Colombia. The Journal of Nutrition. 2009;139(2):370-376. doi:10.3945/jn.108.098111. |
| Notes: | Prevalence of overweight and obesity by Maternal Education. The study population is representative of low- and middle-income families from Bogotá, considering that the public school system enrolled 57% of all primary school children in the city by the end of 2005 and 89% of them were from low- and middle-income families. Child overweight or obesity was defined according to BMI cut-off points for sex and age corresponding to ≥25 in adults, following the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) recommendations |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
0-5 years, 2015-2016
| Sample size: | 4082658 |
| References: | NNS: Colombia National Survey of the Nutritional Situation 2015 |
| 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, 2009-2010
| Sample size: | 15794 |
| References: | DHS: Encuesta Nacional de la Situacion Nutricional en Colombia 2010 |
| 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, 2004-2005
| Sample size: | 12823 |
| References: | DHS: Encuesta Nacional de la Situacion Nutricional en Colombia (ENSIN) 2005 |
| 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, 2000
| Sample size: | 4080 |
| References: | DHS: Salud sexual y reproductiva en Colombia, encuesta nacional de demografia y salud 2000. Demographic and Health Surveys. Bogota, Colombia: PROFAMILIA, 2000 |
| 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, 1995
| Sample size: | 4426 |
| References: | DHS: Encuesta nacional de demografia y salud 1995. Demographic and Health Surveys. Bogota, Colombia, 1995 |
| 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
| Sample size: | 1328 |
| References: | DHS: Tercera encuesta nacional de prevalencia del uso de anticonceptivos y primera de demografia y salud, 1986. Demographic and Health Surveys. Institute for Resource Development. Bogota, Colombia, 1988 |
| 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, 2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 1537 |
| Area covered: | Urban |
| References: | Jimenez-Mora, Mario A et al. “Association of Overweight, Obesity and Abdominal Obesity with Socioeconomic Status and Educational Level in Colombia.” Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity : targets and therapy vol. 13 1887-1898. 3 Jun. 2020, doi:10.2147/DMSO.S244761 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2015-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 151,343 |
| Area covered: | National |
| Notes: | Libro ENSIN 2015. Available at: https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ [Accessed 18.07.25] |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 91115 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Nicole M Kasper, Oscar F Herrán and Eduardo Villamor (2014). Obesity prevalence in Colombian adults is increasing fastest in lower socio-economic status groups and urban residents: results from two nationally representative surveys. Public Health Nutrition, 17, pp 2398-2406. doi:10.1017/S1368980013003418. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-17 |
| Sample size: | 18177 |
| References: | Rincón-Pabón, D., Urazán-Hernández, Y., & González-Santamaría, J. (2019). Association between the time spent watching television and the sociodemographic characteristics with the presence of overweight and obesity in Colombian adolescents (secondary analysis of the ENSIN 2010). PloS one, 14(5), e0216455. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0216455 |
| Notes: | WHO Cut off |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2015-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 34,539 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Libro ENSIN 2015. (2020). Available at: https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ [Accessed 18.07.25] |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 13-14 |
| Sample size: | 18177 |
| References: | Rincón-Pabón, D., Urazán-Hernández, Y., & González-Santamaría, J. (2019). Association between the time spent watching television and the sociodemographic characteristics with the presence of overweight and obesity in Colombian adolescents (secondary analysis of the ENSIN 2010). PloS one, 14(5), e0216455. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0216455 |
| Notes: | WHO Cut off |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 3202 |
| Area covered: | City of Bogotá |
| References: | McDonald CM, Baylin A, Arsenault JE, Mora-Plazas M, Villamor E. Overweight Is More Prevalent Than Stunting and Is Associated with Socioeconomic Status, Maternal Obesity, and a Snacking Dietary Pattern in School Children from Bogotá, Colombia. The Journal of Nutrition. 2009;139(2):370-376. doi:10.3945/jn.108.098111. |
| Notes: | The study population is representative of low- and middle-income families from Bogotá, considering that the public school system enrolled 57% of all primary school children in the city by the end of 2005 and 89% of them were from low- and middle-income families. Child overweight or obesity was defined according to BMI cut-off points for sex and age corresponding to ≥25 in adults, following the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) recommendations |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Overweight/obesity by region
Adults, 2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-75 |
| Sample size: | 1537 |
| Area covered: | Urban |
| References: | Jimenez-Mora, Mario A et al. “Association of Overweight, Obesity and Abdominal Obesity with Socioeconomic Status and Educational Level in Colombia.” Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity : targets and therapy vol. 13 1887-1898. 3 Jun. 2020, doi:10.2147/DMSO.S244761 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2015-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-64 |
| Sample size: | 74,922 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Libro ENSIN 2015. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ [Accessed 18.07.25] |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2015-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-64 |
| Sample size: | 74,922 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Libro ENSIN 2015. (2020). Available at: https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ [Accessed 18.07.25] |
| Definitions: | Population of municipality and those living outside a municipality |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-64 |
| Sample size: | 91115 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Nicole M Kasper, Oscar F Herrán and Eduardo Villamor (2014). Obesity prevalence in Colombian adults is increasing fastest in lower socio-economic status groups and urban residents: results from two nationally representative surveys. Public Health Nutrition, 17, pp 2398-2406. doi:10.1017/S1368980013003418. |
| Notes: | |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-64 |
| Sample size: | 91115 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Nicole M Kasper, Oscar F Herrán and Eduardo Villamor (2014). Obesity prevalence in Colombian adults is increasing fastest in lower socio-economic status groups and urban residents: results from two nationally representative surveys. Public Health Nutrition, 17, pp 2398-2406. doi:10.1017/S1368980013003418. |
| Notes: | |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2015-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-12 |
| Sample size: | 21,621 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Libro ENSIN 2015. Available at: https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ [Accessed 18.07.25] |
| Definitions: | Population of municipality |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2015-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-12 |
| Sample size: | 21,621 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Libro ENSIN 2015. Available at: https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ [Accessed 18.07.25] |
| Notes: | Obesity prevalence in Bogotá flagged for moderate variability and should be used with caution. Subregional data also available in report. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 13-17 |
| Sample size: | 18177 |
| References: | Rincón-Pabón, D., Urazán-Hernández, Y., & González-Santamaría, J. (2019). Association between the time spent watching television and the sociodemographic characteristics with the presence of overweight and obesity in Colombian adolescents (secondary analysis of the ENSIN 2010). PloS one, 14(5), e0216455. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0216455 |
| Notes: | WHO Cut off |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
0-5 years, 2009-2010
| Sample size: | 15794 |
| References: | DHS: Encuesta Nacional de la Situacion Nutricional en Colombia 2010 |
| 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, 2004-2005
| Sample size: | 12823 |
| References: | DHS: Encuesta Nacional de la Situacion Nutricional en Colombia (ENSIN) 2005 |
| 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, 2000
| Sample size: | 4080 |
| References: | DHS: Salud sexual y reproductiva en Colombia, encuesta nacional de demografia y salud 2000. Demographic and Health Surveys. Bogota, Colombia: PROFAMILIA, 2000 |
| 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, 1995
| Sample size: | 4426 |
| References: | DHS: Encuesta nacional de demografia y salud 1995. Demographic and Health Surveys. Bogota, Colombia, 1995 |
| 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
| Sample size: | 1328 |
| References: | DHS: Tercera encuesta nacional de prevalencia del uso de anticonceptivos y primera de demografia y salud, 1986. Demographic and Health Surveys. Institute for Resource Development. Bogota, Colombia, 1988 |
| 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, 2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-75 |
| Sample size: | 1537 |
| Area covered: | Urban |
| References: | Jimenez-Mora, Mario A et al. “Association of Overweight, Obesity and Abdominal Obesity with Socioeconomic Status and Educational Level in Colombia.” Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity : targets and therapy vol. 13 1887-1898. 3 Jun. 2020, doi:10.2147/DMSO.S244761 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2015-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-64 |
| Sample size: | 74,922 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Libro ENSIN 2015. Available at: https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ [Accessed 18.07.25] |
| Definitions: | Household wealth index level |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-64 |
| Sample size: | 91115 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Nicole M Kasper, Oscar F Herrán and Eduardo Villamor (2014). Obesity prevalence in Colombian adults is increasing fastest in lower socio-economic status groups and urban residents: results from two nationally representative surveys. Public Health Nutrition, 17, pp 2398-2406. doi:10.1017/S1368980013003418. |
| Notes: | Obesity prevalence by wealth index quintile. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2015-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-12 |
| Sample size: | 21,621 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Libro ENSIN 2015. (2020). Available at: https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ [Accessed 18.07.25] |
| Definitions: | Household wealth index level |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 13-17 |
| Sample size: | 18177 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Rincón-Pabón, D., Urazán-Hernández, Y., & González-Santamaría, J. (2019). Association between the time spent watching television and the sociodemographic characteristics with the presence of overweight and obesity in Colombian adolescents (secondary analysis of the ENSIN 2010). PloS one, 14(5), e0216455. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0216455 |
| Notes: | WHO Cut off |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-12 |
| Sample size: | 3202 |
| Area covered: | City of Bogotá |
| References: | McDonald CM, Baylin A, Arsenault JE, Mora-Plazas M, Villamor E. Overweight Is More Prevalent Than Stunting and Is Associated with Socioeconomic Status, Maternal Obesity, and a Snacking Dietary Pattern in School Children from Bogotá, Colombia. The Journal of Nutrition. 2009;139(2):370-376. doi:10.3945/jn.108.098111. |
| Notes: | Prevalence of overweight and obesity by household socio-economic stratum. The study population is representative of low- and middle-income families from Bogotá, considering that the public school system enrolled 57% of all primary school children in the city by the end of 2005 and 89% of them were from low- and middle-income families. Child overweight or obesity was defined according to BMI cut-off points for sex and age corresponding to ≥25 in adults, following the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) recommendations |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
0-5 years, 2009-2010
| Sample size: | 15794 |
| References: | DHS: Encuesta Nacional de la Situacion Nutricional en Colombia 2010 |
| 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, 2004-2005
| Sample size: | 12823 |
| References: | DHS: Encuesta Nacional de la Situacion Nutricional en Colombia (ENSIN) 2005 |
| 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, 2000
| Sample size: | 4080 |
| References: | DHS: Salud sexual y reproductiva en Colombia, encuesta nacional de demografia y salud 2000. Demographic and Health Surveys. Bogota, Colombia: PROFAMILIA, 2000 |
| 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, 1995
| Sample size: | 4426 |
| References: | DHS: Encuesta nacional de demografia y salud 1995. Demographic and Health Surveys. Bogota, Colombia, 1995 |
| 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 ethnicity
Ethnic groups are as defined by publication of origin and are not as defined by WOF. In some instances ethnicity is conflated with nationality and/or race.
Adults, 2015-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-64 |
| Sample size: | 74,200 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Libro ENSIN 2015. Available at: https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ [Accessed 18.07.25] |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2015-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-12 |
| Sample size: | 20,382 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Libro ENSIN 2015. (2020). Available at: https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ [Accessed 18.07.25] |
| Notes: | NB. Obesity prevalence in indigenous population flagged for high variability, estimate should be used with caution |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Double burden of underweight & overweight
Adults, 2022
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). Worldwide trends in underweight and obesity from 1990 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 3663 population representative studies with 222 million children, adolescents, and adults. Lancet 2024; published online Feb 29. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02750-2. |
| Notes: | Age Standardised estimates |
| Definitions: | Combined prevalence of BMI<18.5 kg/m² and BMI>=30 kg/m² (double burden of underweight and obesity) |
Children, 2022
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-19 |
| References: | NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). Worldwide trends in underweight and obesity from 1990 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 3663 population representative studies with 222 million children, adolescents, and adults. Lancet 2024; published online Feb 29. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02750-2. |
| Notes: | Age standardised estimates |
| Definitions: | Combined prevalence of BMI < -2SD and BMI > 2SD (double burden of thinness and obesity) |
| Cutoffs: | BMI < -2SD and BMI > 2SD |
0-5 years, 2015-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 0-5 |
| References: | United Nations Children’s Fund, Division of Data, Analysis, Planning and Monitoring (2025). Global UNICEF Global Databases: Overlapping Stunting, Wasting and Overweight (Survey Estimates), 2025, New York. For more information, visit: https://data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/malnutrition/ [Accessed 06.08.25] |
| Notes: | Colombia National Survey of the Nutritional Situation 2015 |
| Definitions: | Combined percentage of children under 5 years of age who are either wasted, stunted, or overweight (falling below -2 standard deviations from the median weight-for-height, falling below -2 standard deviations from the median height for age, or falling at or above +2 standard deviations from the median weight-for-height of the reference population) |
| Cutoffs: | WHZ <-2, HAZ <-2 and WHZ >+2 |
0-5 years, 2009-2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 0-5 |
| References: | United Nations Children’s Fund, Division of Data, Analysis, Planning and Monitoring (2025). Global UNICEF Global Databases: Overlapping Stunting, Wasting and Overweight (Survey Estimates), 2025, New York. For more information, visit: https://data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/malnutrition/ [Accessed 06.08.25] |
| Notes: | Encuesta Nacional de la Situacion Nutricional en Colombia 2010 |
| Definitions: | Combined percentage of children under 5 years of age who are either wasted, stunted, or overweight (falling below -2 standard deviations from the median weight-for-height, falling below -2 standard deviations from the median height for age, or falling at or above +2 standard deviations from the median weight-for-height of the reference population) |
| Cutoffs: | WHZ <-2, HAZ <-2 and WHZ >+2 |
0-5 years, 2004-2005
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 0-5 |
| References: | United Nations Children’s Fund, Division of Data, Analysis, Planning and Monitoring (2025). Global UNICEF Global Databases: Overlapping Stunting, Wasting and Overweight (Survey Estimates), 2025, New York. For more information, visit: https://data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/malnutrition/ [Accessed 06.08.25] |
| Notes: | Encuesta Nacional de la Situacion Nutricional en Colombia (ENSIN) 2005 |
| Definitions: | Combined percentage of children under 5 years of age who are either wasted, stunted, or overweight (falling below -2 standard deviations from the median weight-for-height, falling below -2 standard deviations from the median height for age, or falling at or above +2 standard deviations from the median weight-for-height of the reference population) |
| Cutoffs: | WHZ <-2, HAZ <-2 and WHZ >+2 |
0-5 years, 2000
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 0-5 |
| References: | United Nations Children’s Fund, Division of Data, Analysis, Planning and Monitoring (2025). Global UNICEF Global Databases: Overlapping Stunting, Wasting and Overweight (Survey Estimates), 2025, New York. For more information, visit: https://data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/malnutrition/ [Accessed 06.08.25] |
| Notes: | Salud sexual y reproductiva en Colombia, encuesta nacional de demografia y salud 2000. Demographic and Health Surveys. Bogota, Colombia: PROFAMILIA, 2000 |
| Definitions: | Combined percentage of children under 5 years of age who are either wasted, stunted, or overweight (falling below -2 standard deviations from the median weight-for-height, falling below -2 standard deviations from the median height for age, or falling at or above +2 standard deviations from the median weight-for-height of the reference population) |
| Cutoffs: | WHZ <-2, HAZ <-2 and WHZ >+2 |
0-5 years, 1995
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 0-5 |
| References: | United Nations Children’s Fund, Division of Data, Analysis, Planning and Monitoring (2025). Global UNICEF Global Databases: Overlapping Stunting, Wasting and Overweight (Survey Estimates), 2025, New York. For more information, visit: https://data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/malnutrition/ [Accessed 06.08.25] |
| Notes: | Encuesta nacional de demografia y salud 1995. Demographic and Health Surveys. Bogota, Colombia, 1995 |
| Definitions: | Combined percentage of children under 5 years of age who are either wasted, stunted, or overweight (falling below -2 standard deviations from the median weight-for-height, falling below -2 standard deviations from the median height for age, or falling at or above +2 standard deviations from the median weight-for-height of the reference population) |
| Cutoffs: | WHZ <-2, HAZ <-2 and WHZ >+2 |
0-5 years, 1986
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 0-5 |
| References: | United Nations Children’s Fund, Division of Data, Analysis, Planning and Monitoring (2025). Global UNICEF Global Databases: Overlapping Stunting, Wasting and Overweight (Survey Estimates), 2025, New York. For more information, visit: https://data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/malnutrition/ [Accessed 06.08.25] |
| Notes: | Tercera encuesta nacional de prevalencia del uso de anticonceptivos y primera de demografia y salud, 1986. Demographic and Health Surveys. Institute for Resource Development. Bogota, Colombia, 1988 |
| Definitions: | Combined percentage of children under 5 years of age who are either wasted, stunted, or overweight (falling below -2 standard deviations from the median weight-for-height, falling below -2 standard deviations from the median height for age, or falling at or above +2 standard deviations from the median weight-for-height of the reference population) |
| Cutoffs: | WHZ <-2, HAZ <-2 and WHZ >+2 |
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) |
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) |
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, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depression per 100,000 population (adults 20+ years) |
Men, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depression per 100,000 population (adults 20+ years) |
Women, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depression per 100,000 population (adults 20+ years) |
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 |
Children, 2021
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depressive disorder per 100,000 population (Under 20 years of age) |
Boys, 2021
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depressive disorder per 100,000 population (Under 20 years of age) |
Girls, 2021
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depressive disorder per 100,000 population (Under 20 years of age) |
Mental health - anxiety disorders
Adults, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25). |
| Definitions: | Number living with anxiety per 100,000 population |
Men, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25). |
| Definitions: | Number living with anxiety per 100,000 population |
Women, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25). |
| Definitions: | Number living with anxiety per 100,000 population |
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 |
Children, 2021
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
Boys, 2021
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
Girls, 2021
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
% Infants exclusively breastfed 0-5 months
0-5 years, 1998-2023
| References: | Colombia National Survey of the Nutritional Situation 2015 |
| 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. |
Percent of population who cannot afford a healthy diet
Adults, 2022
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | The Food Systems Dashboard. The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), The Columbia Climate School, and Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 2024. Geneva, Switzerland. https://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36072/db. |
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
| 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 10.01.2091 |
| Definitions: | Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000 |
Women, 2020
| 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 10.01.2091 |
| 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
| 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 10.01.2091 |
| Definitions: | Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000 |
Women, 2020
| 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 10.01.2091 |
| 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
| 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 10.01.2091 |
| Definitions: | Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000 |
Women, 2020
| 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 10.01.2091 |
| 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
| 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 10.01.2091 |
| Definitions: | Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000 |
Women, 2020
| 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 10.01.2091 |
| 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
| 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 10.01.2091 |
| Definitions: | Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000 |
Women, 2020
| 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 10.01.2091 |
| 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
| 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 10.01.2091 |
| 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, 2024
| References: | Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 11th edn. Brussels, Belgium:International Diabetes Federation, 2025. http://www.diabetesatlas.org |
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. | |
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
Policies, Interventions and Actions
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? | Present |
| Front-of-package labelling? | Present |
| Back-of-pack nutrition declaration? | Present |
| Color coding? | Absent |
| Warning label? | Present |
Regulation and marketing
| Are there fiscal policies on unhealthy products? | Present |
| Tax on unhealthy foods? | Present |
| Tax on unhealthy drinks? | Present |
| 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)? | Present |
| Mandatory limit of trans fats in place (all settings)? | Present |
| Ban on trans-fats or phos in place (all settings)? | Incoming |
| 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? | Present |
| Are there any mandatory nutrient limits in any manufactured food products? | Present |
| Nutrition standards for public sector procurement? | Absent |
Political will and support
| National obesity strategy or nutrition and physical activity national strategy? | Present |
| National obesity strategy? | Absent |
| National childhood obesity strategy? | Absent |
| Comprehensive nutrition strategy? | Present |
| Comprehensive physical activity strategy? | Present |
| Evidence-based dietary guidelines and/or RDAs? | Present |
| National target(s) on reducing obesity? | Absent |
| Promotion of breastfeeding? | Present |
Monitoring and surveillance
| Monitoring of the prevalence and incidence for the main obesity-related NCDs and risk factors? | Present |
| Within 5 years? | Absent |
Governance and resource
| Multi-sectoral national co-ordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)? | Present |
Key
Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown
Last updated August 4, 2025
Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions
