• 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).
* Based on estimated data. For more information see Publications

Obesity prevalence

Trends over time

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Population breakdowns

By education

By age

By region

By socio-economic group

Drivers

Insufficient activity

Fruit consumption

Processed meat consumption

Grains consumption

Depression

Anxiety

Roots of obesity »

Like all chronic diseases, the root causes/drivers of obesity are complex. Select here to view 'other' root causes/drivers.

Breastfeeding

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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

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Economic impact

Economic impact

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Policies

National Obesity Strategy

Nutritional or Health Strategy

Marketing

Physical Activity

Tax/Subsidies on Food or Beverages

Labelling

School Food Regulations

Breastfeeding

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Contextual factors

Contextual factors

Obesity prevalence

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.
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Adults, 2015-2016

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-64
Sample size:151343
Area covered:National
References:ENSIN 2015. Available at https://www.minsalud.gov.co/ (last accessed 05.10.20)
Notes:Sample size includes children
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Adults, 2005

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-64
Sample size:31105
Area covered:National
References:Kasper NM, Herrán OF, Villamor E. 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(11), 2398–2406 doi:10.1017/S1368980013003418
Notes:18679 Females and 12426 Males
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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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.
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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.
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Children, 2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:5-17
Sample size:385
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
Notes:PLEASE NOTE SMALL SAMPLE SIZE Conflicting age ranges presented in paper. The Child data may be either 2-17 years of 5-17 years. It has been assumed 5-17 years, though author has been contacted to confirm.
Definitions:Cut offs. 25-59 months BMI for Age Z Score >1 ≤ 3 for overweight, >3 Obesity 5-17 years BMI for Age Z Score >1 ≤ 2 for overweight, > 2 Obesity
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
Download graph Add to custom PDF

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.
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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.
Download graph Add to custom PDF

Children, 2018

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:385
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
Notes:PLEASE NOTE SMALL SAMPLE SIZE Conflicting age ranges presented in paper. The Child data may be either 2-17 years of 5-17 years. It has been assumed 5-17 years, though author has been contacted to confirm. Cut offs. 25-59 months BMI for Age Z Score >1 ≤ 3 for overweight, >3 Obesity 5-17 years BMI for Age Z Score >1 ≤ 2 for overweight, > 2 Obesity
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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
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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
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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.
Download graph Add to custom PDF

Adults, 2015-2016

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-64
Sample size:151343
Area covered:National
References:ENSIN 2015. 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.
Download graph Add to custom PDF

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.
Download graph Add to custom PDF

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.
Download graph Add to custom PDF

Children, 2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:5-17
Sample size:385
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
Notes:PLEASE NOTE SMALL SAMPLE SIZE Conflicting age ranges presented in paper. The Child data may be either 2-17 years of 5-17 years. It has been assumed 5-17 years, though author has been contacted to confirm. Cut offs. 25-59 months BMI for Age Z Score >1 ≤ 3 for overweight, >3 Obesity 5-17 years BMI for Age Z Score >1 ≤ 2 for overweight, > 2 Obesity
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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
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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.
Download graph Add to custom PDF

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.
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Children, 2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:5-17
Sample size:385
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
Notes:PLEASE NOTE SMALL SAMPLE SIZE Conflicting age ranges presented in paper. The Child data may be either 2-17 years of 5-17 years. It has been assumed 5-17 years, though author has been contacted to confirm. Cut offs. 25-59 months BMI for Age Z Score >1 ≤ 3 for overweight, >3 Obesity 5-17 years BMI for Age Z Score >1 ≤ 2 for overweight, > 2 Obesity
Download graph Add to custom PDF

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
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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
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Insufficient physical activity

Adults, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7
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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
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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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Mental health - depression disorders

Adults, 2015

References:Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Definitions:% of population with depression disorders
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Mental health - anxiety disorders

Adults, 2015

References:Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Definitions:% of population with anxiety disorders
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% Infants exclusively breastfed 0-5 months

Children, 1998-2019

Area covered:National
References:Colombia National Survey of the Nutritional Situation 2015
Notes:See UNICEF website for further survey information. Available at : https://data.unicef.org/resources/dataset/infant-young-child-feeding/ (last accessed 28.9.21) Citation: United Nations Children’s Fund, Division of Data, Analysis, Planning and Monitoring (2021). Global UNICEF Global Databases: Infant and Young Child Feeding: Exclusive breastfeeding, New York, September 2021.
Definitions:% exclusively breastfed 0-5 months
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Oesophageal cancer

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
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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
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Breast cancer

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
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Colorectal cancer

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
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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
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Pancreatic cancer

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
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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
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Gallbladder cancer

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
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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
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Kidney cancer

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
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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
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Cancer of the uterus

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
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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).
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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).
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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).
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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).
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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).
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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).
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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).
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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).
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Diabetes prevalence

Adults, 2021

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

Tax on ultra-processed products

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.

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

Resolución 810 de 2021, por la cual se establece el reglamento técnico sobre los requisitos de etiquetado nutricional y frontal que deben cumplir los alimentos envasados o empacados para consumo humano [Nutritional and frontal labelling requirements]

Mandatory national labelling guidelines for packaged foods and drinks in place. (Available only in Spanish language)

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2021 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The Congress of Colombia
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/66482 (last accessed 10.08.22)

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)

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 available in schools. The General Objective of the School Feeding Program (PAE) is to contribute to the access with school permanence of children, adolescents and young people, registered in the oicial 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)

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

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 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)

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

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) Breastfeeeding promotion and/or counselling

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

Categories:Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Ministry of Health (information provided by the GINA progam)
Find out more:extranet.who.int
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en

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?Incoming
Tax on unhealthy foods?Incoming
Tax on unhealthy drinks?Incoming
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
Guidelines/policy on obesity treatment?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 April 5, 2023

See more policies here

Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions

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