• Overview
  • Obesity prevalence
  • Trends over time
  • Population breakdowns
  • Drivers
  • Comorbidities
  • Economic impact
  • Policies
  • Contextual factors
Loading data – please wait …

Report cards

Our report cards collate all the most-recent graphics for this country. If you would like to produce a custom report based on selected graphics, just tap the Add to custom PDF button below the graphics you would like to use.

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

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:UNICEF data available at https://data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/malnutrition/(last accessed 12.03.25)
Notes:Children under 5 falling below -2 standard deviations from the median height for age and falling at or above +2 standard deviations from the median weight-for-height of the reference population

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, 2015-2021

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

Adults, 2015-2021

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

Men, 2015-2021

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

Women, 2015-2021

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, 2015-2021

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

Adults, 2015-2021

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

Men, 2015-2021

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

Women, 2015-2021

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, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2091
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2091
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, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2091
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2091
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, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2091
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2091
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, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2091
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2091
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, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2091
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2091
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, 2020-2022

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2091
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.

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

Country comparisons

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

Policies, Interventions and Actions

Resolution 2066/2024 (PHO ban and limit on trans fats)

This resolution sets a maximum limit on trans fats in all foods and bans the use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) in food processing. The amount of industrial trans fats in foods for human consumption cannot exceed 2g per 100g or 100ml of total fat. The use of PHOs is prohibited in the processing of packaged foods for human consumption and in the preparation of culinary preparations. Packaged foods must also state their trans fat content in mg/100g or ml of food and per serving of food. The limit on industrial trans fats comes into force 18 months after publication, in May 2026, and the ban on PHOs comes into force 36 months after, in October 2027.

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2026 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health and Social Protection
Find out more:www.minsalud.gov.co

UN WFP - Colombia country strategic plan 2025-2028

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) developed this plan for Colombia to address hunger and end all forms of malnutrition, including overweight and obesity, especially among vulnerable populations.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2025-2028
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:UN World Food Programme
Find out more:www.wfp.org
Linked document:Download linked document

Resolution 2492/2022 (Nutritional and front-of-pack labelling requirements)

This resolution amends Resolution 810/2021, and establishes the technical regulations of nutrition and front-of-pack labelling requirements for packaged foods and drinks in Colombia. Products that exceed specified thresholds of critical nutrients (sugars, saturated fat, trans fats, sodium, and sweeteners) must display a clear, octagon "high in" warning. This resolution is the Ministry of Health and Social Protection's implementation of Law 2120/2021, and became mandatory in 2023. (in English)

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2023 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health and Social Protection
Find out more:apps.fas.usda.gov
Linked document:Download linked document

Tax on ultra-processed products and sugary drinks

The law passed in November 2022 states that from November 1 2023 there will be a 10% tax on products that exceed stated thresholds for added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats..The tax rate will rise to 15% in 2024 and 20% in 2025. For beverages, the tax rate will be measured against added sugar content, increasing annually in three phases with stricter thresholds coming into play in 2025.

Categories:Taxation/Subsidies on Food or Beverages or law relating to public health
Year(s):2023 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Government
Find out more:www.suin-juriscol.gov.co
Linked document:Download linked document

Guidelines for promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviors in Colombia

These guidelines were developed by the Ministry of Health to advise public policy to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in Colombia.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2022 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Sport
Find out more:www.mindeporte.gov.co
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Ministerio del Deporte. Lineamientos orientadores para la promoción de la actividad física y la disminución de comportamientos sedentarios en Colombia. Bogotá: 2021

National Rural Plan of the System for the Progressive Guarantee of the Right to Food

The plan provides a framework intending to promote and facilitate intersectoral policies and actions to secure the human right to food among the rural population of Colombia. One of is objectives is to increase rural communities' access to healthy, nutritious and culturally appropriate food through food programmes and education. (Only available in Spanish)

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2022 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Intersectoral Commission on Food and Nutrition Security (CISAN)
Find out more:www.alcaldiabogota.gov.co
Linked document:Download linked document

Promotion of Healthy Eating Strategy 2022

This document presents a framework for actions to promote healthy eating among the Colombian population with an intersectoral approach, with the goal of improving overall health and fostering favourable environments for health. This is to be achieved through primary healthcare, regulatory policies, intersectoral measures, and monitoring and research. (Only available in Spanish)

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Categories (partial):Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2022 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health and Social Protection
Find out more:www.minsalud.gov.co
Linked document:Download linked document

Roadmap: Colombia advances toward equitable, healthy, sustainable, and resilient food systems

The roadmap is a strategic document that outlines Colombia's commitment to transforming food systems, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets of the 2030 UN Agenda. Its aims are to guarantee access to safe and nutritious food for everyone, shift to sustainable consumption patterns, boost environmentally friendly production, advance equitable livelihoods, and build resilience to vulnerabilities and crises. (Document only available in Spanish)

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2022-2030
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:UN Colombia, CISAN, ICBF
Find out more:www.icbf.gov.co
Linked document:Download linked document

Ten-Year Public Health Plan 2022-2031

This plan establishes the objectives, goals, and strategies to address public health challenges from 2022 to 2031. It aims to address inequalities and improve the health, wellbeing, living conditions, and quality of life of the Colombian population. One of its key elements is the promotion of healthy lifestyles and conditions favourable to health.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2022-2031
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health and Social Protection
Find out more:www.minsalud.gov.co
Linked document:Download linked document

Law to Promote Healthy Food Environments (Law 2120/2021)

This law adopts measures to promote healthy food environments in order to prevent the development of non-communicable diseases. It includes provisions to develop front-of-pack labelling requirements, promote healthy eating and physical activity through public education, regulate advertising of food and drink advertising to children, and promote healthy public and school environments.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Categories (partial):Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2021 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The Congress of Colombia
Linked document:Download linked document

Ten-Year Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding Plan (PDLMAC) 2021-2030

This policy is to guide interventions to provide the best available nutrition to children under two years of age, based on proper breastfeeding practices and natural, healthy, and culturally relevant complementary feeding. It sets a target to progressively increase exclusive breastfeeding rates to 51% by 2030 from 36.1% in 2015, and to progressively increase continuous breastfeeding rates to 71.9% by 2030 from 52.2% in 2015. (Only available in Spanish)

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Year(s):2021-2030
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Administrative Department of the Presidency of the Republic, Salutia Foundation - Center for Health Studies, Innovation, and Research
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Fundación Salutia. (2021). Plan Decenal de Lactancia Materna y Alimentación Complementaria PDLMAC 2021-2030. Bogotá: Fundación Salutia.

Resolution 2013/2020 Establishing the technical regulation defining the maximum sodium levels of processed foods prioritized within the framework of the National Strategy for the Reduction of Sodium Consumption and dictating other provisions

The purpose of this technical regulation is to define the maximum sodium levels of processed foods prioritized within the framework of the National Strategy for the Reduction of Sodium Consumption, in order to contribute to the reduction of arterial hypertension and non-communicable diseases associated with it, with the legitimate objective of protecting the health of the population. (Available only in Spanish language)

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2020 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Minister of Health and Social Protection
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/57271 (last accessed 11.08.22) Please note the GINA website has been replaced by the GIFNA database and the GINA link will no longer work. You will find this document by searching this new database: https://gifna.who.int/

Technical Support Document for the Regulation of Healthy School Stores

This document provides nutritional and safety standards for the preparation, sale, or distribution of food in school stores in order to promote an environment that encourages healthy eating in preschool, primary, and secondary education institutions. It is intended to support the development and implementation of regulations. (in Spanish)

Categories:Evidence of School Food Regulations
Year(s):2019 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Ministry of Education
Linked document:Download linked document

Agreement 614/2015 of Bogotá City Council, DC

This agreement establishes strategies for the control of obesity and overweight in the capital district. It states that: district educational institutions will conduct screenings; the District Administration will create and promote programmes to promote healthy lifestyle habits; and that when cases of overweight, obesity, underweight or stunting are detected, District Secretariats will strive to provide foods to improve the health of their students

Categories:Non-national obesity strategies
Year(s):2015 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Bogotá City Council, DC
Find out more:www.alcaldiabogota.gov.co

Resolución número 16432 de 2015 por la cual se expiden los lineamientos Técnicos – Administrativos, los estándares y las condiciones mínimas del Programa de Alimentación Escolar (PAE)

National mandatory standards for food provided by the School Feeding Programme (PAE). The General Objective of the programme is to contribute to the access with school permanence of children, adolescents and young people, registered in the official enrolment, promoting healthy eating habits, through the provision of a food supplement. (Available only in English language)

Categories:Evidence of School Food Regulations
Year(s):2015 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:The Minister of National Education
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/66495 (last accessed 11.08.22) Please note the GINA website has been replaced by the GIFNA database and the GINA link will no longer work. You will find this document by searching this new database: https://gifna.who.int/

Orientación técnica para la promoción del transporte activo

This document shows a review of international experiences, identifying the main strategies that have been successful worldwide, to generate recommendations for implementation at the national level. A theoretical and regulatory framework is then provided related to physical activity in the country in all settings of life (school, university, work, public space and housing). (Available only in Spanish language)

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2014 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministerio de Salud
Linked document:Download linked document

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) - Plan of Action for the Prevention of Obesity in Children and Adolescents

This 5-year action plan was signed by PAHO member countries, aiming to halt the rise in obesity among children and adolescents. It calls for a number of policies, including taxes on unhealthy food and drink, labelling and marketing regulation, health promotion, school nutrition improvement, and breastfeeding promotion.

Categories:Transnational Obesity Strategies/Policy/Recommendations or Action Plan
Year(s):2014-2019
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), WHO for the Americas
Find out more:iris.paho.org
Linked document:Download linked document
References:PAHO. Plan of Action for the Prevention of Obesity in Children and Adolescents. WHO; 2014.

National Plan on Food and Nutrition Security (PNSAN) 2012-2019

The plan sought to improve the nutrition and food security of the Colombian population, ensuring that everyone has access to sufficient, varied, safe, and nutritious food.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2012-2019
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Government of Colombia
Linked document:Download linked document

Resolución Nº 2.508, Reglamento técnico sobre los requisitos que deben cumplir los alimentos envasados que contengan grasas trans y/o grasas saturadas

Measures to limit or virtually eliminate industrially-produced trans fatty acids in food intended for the final consumer and/or for supply to retail. - The trans fatty acid content in fats, vegetable oils and spreadable margarines sold directly to the consumer shall not exceed 2 grams of trans fatty acids per 100 grams of fat. - The trans fatty acid content in fats and oils used as raw material in the food industry, or as an input in bakeries, restaurants or catering services, may contain up to 5 grams of trans fatty acids per 100 grams of fat. (Available only in Spanish language)

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2012 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health and Social Protection
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/24672 (last accessed 11.08.22) Please note the GINA website has been replaced by the GIFNA database and the GINA link will no longer work. You will find this document by searching this new database: https://gifna.who.int/

Healthy Habits and Lifestyles (HEVS)

HEVS is a national programme to encourage and promote access to regular physical activity, The programme supports initiatives of municipal and departmental sports organisations, offering community-based activities, events, and training sessions.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Categories (partial):Training
Year(s):2010 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Sport, Coldeportes
Find out more:www.mindeporte.gov.co
Linked document:Download linked document

Intersectoral Commission on Food and Nutritional Security (CISAN)

Decree 2055 of 2009 created CISAN, an intersectoral commission to coordinate and monitor the National Policy on Food and Nutrition Security (PNSAN). It is the highest authority for guiding public policy on food security in Colombia.

Categories:Evidence of a multi-sectoral national coordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)
Year(s):2009 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Find out more:www.dnp.gov.co
Linked document:Download linked document

Law for Control, Care and Prevention of Obesity and related NCDs (Law 1355)

This law declares obesity as a chronic public health disease as a direct cause of heart disease, circulatory disease, high cholesterol, stress, depression, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, colon disease, among others, all of which considerably increase the mortality rate of Colombians (article 1).

Categories:Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2009 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Government
Find out more:www.icbf.gov.co
Linked document:Download linked document

National Policy on Food and Nutrition Security (PSAN), CONPES 113-2008

This policy established in 2008, aimed to "ensure that the entire Colombian population has access to, permanently and timely access to, and consumes food in sufficient quantities, varieties, quality, and safety."

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2008 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:National Council for Economic and Social Policy
Find out more:www.icbf.gov.co
Linked document:Download linked document

Food Guidelines for the Colombian Population

Launched in 2000 and updated in 2014, the Food Guidelines for the Colombian population over 2 years of age are represented through the "Healthy Dish of the Colombian Family" icon, which invites the population to gather in the family to consume fresh and varied foods of its 6 food groups.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2000 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Colombian Institute of Family Wellness
Find out more:www.icbf.gov.co
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Colombia [Internet]. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. [cited 2020 Jul 22]. Available from: http://www.fao.org/nutrition/education/food-dietary-guidelines/regions/countries/Colombia/en

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

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

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

Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes: National Implementation of the International Code Status Report 2016 (Promotion of Breastfeeding)

The 2016 report provides information on the status of implementing the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant World Health Assembly resolutions (“the Code”) in and by countries. The report also identifies in which countries they actively promote the benefits of breastfeeding.

Categories:Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:WHO UNICEF IBFAN
References:WHO. UNICEF. IBFAN. Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes: National Implementation of the International Code. Status Report 2016. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2016

No actions could be found for the above criteria.

Contextual factors

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

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

Labelling

Is there mandatory nutrition labelling?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)? Absent
Are there any mandatory policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Absent
Mandatory restriction on broadcast media?Absent
Mandatory restriction on non-broadcast media?Absent
Voluntary policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Absent
Are there mandatory standards for food in schools?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?Present
National childhood obesity strategy?Absent
Comprehensive nutrition strategy?Unknown
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)?Unknown

Key

Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown

Last updated November 3, 2023

See more policies here

Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions

Feedback

Are you finding the information on these pages useful?
Yes
No
N/A

Thank you for feeding back to World Obesity.

If you have any further feedback or suggestions please email us at obesity@worldobesity.org.

Close
Loading