Egypt
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- 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 *9.5/11This 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).
Obesity prevalence
Trends over time
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Drivers
Insufficient activity
Soft drink consumption
Fruit consumption
Vegetable consumption
Fast food consumption
Processed meat consumption
Grains consumption
Depression
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Roots of obesity »
Like all chronic diseases, the root causes/drivers of obesity are complex. Select here to view 'other' root causes/drivers.Breastfeeding
Comorbidities
Economic impact
Policies
Contextual factors
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2016-2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-69 |
| Sample size: | 6680 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Egypt National STEPwise Survey For Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors Report 2017 https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/Egypt_National_STEPwise_Survey_For_Noncommunicable_Diseases_Risk_Factors_2017_Report.pdf?ua=1 |
| 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
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-59 |
| Sample size: | 15602 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and ICF International. 2015. Egypt Health Issues Survey 2015. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt and ICF International. Available at http://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR313-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm#sthash.StgV9s6X.dpuf |
| Notes: | 8379 Female7223 Male NB Not comparable with DHS 2014 data |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 19021 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and ICF International. 2015. Egypt Demographic and Health Survey 2014. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population and ICF International. |
| 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, 2011-2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-65 |
| Sample size: | 5300 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | WHO EMRO Egypt STEPS Survey 2011-12 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 11258 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | El-Zanaty, Fatma and Ann Way. 2009. Egypt Demographic and Health Survey 2008. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and Macro International. |
| 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. | |
Women, 2005
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 17169 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | El-Zanaty, Fatma and Ann Way. 2006. Egypt Demographic and Health Survey 2005. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population, National Population Council, El-Zanaty and Associates, and ORC Macro. |
| Notes: | Ever married women 15 - 49 years. |
| 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: | 6751 |
| 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, 1992
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 4855 |
| 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, 2018-2020
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-11 |
| Sample size: | 33150 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | El-Shafie AM, Kasemy ZA, Omar ZA, et al. Prevalence of short stature and malnutrition among Egyptian primary school children and their coexistence with Anemia. Italian Journal of Pediatrics. 2020 Jun;46(1):91. DOI: 10.1186/s13052-020-00855-y. |
| Notes: | Boys = 17,143, Girls = 16,007 |
| Cutoffs: | WHO 2007 |
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-9 |
| Sample size: | 12697 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and ICF International. 2015. Egypt Demographic and Health Survey 2014. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population and ICF International. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2011
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 13-15 |
| Sample size: | 2568 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Global School-based Student Health Survey, Fact Sheet available at https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/Egypt_GSHS_FS_2011.pdf?ua=1 (last accessed 25.11.20) |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2006
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 13-15 |
| Sample size: | 5249 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Global School-based Student Health Survey, Fact Sheet available at https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/2006EGH_Fact_Sheet.pdf?ua=1 (last accessed 25.11.20) |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2005
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10-19 |
| Sample size: | 22827 |
| References: | El-Zanaty, Fatma and Ann Way. 2006. Egypt Demographic and Health Survey 2005. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt, National Population Council/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and ORC Macro. |
| Notes: | NB Includes 18 & 19 years |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
% Adults living with obesity, 2011-2017
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2011: WHO EMRO Egypt STEPS Survey 2011-12 2015: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and ICF International. 2015. Egypt Health Issues Survey 2015. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt and ICF International. Available at http://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR313-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm#sthash.StgV9s6X.dpuf 2016: Egypt National STEPwise Survey For Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors Report 2017 https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/Egypt_National_STEPwise_Survey_For_Noncommunicable_Diseases_Risk_Factors_2017_Report.pdf?ua=1 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2011: WHO EMRO Egypt STEPS Survey 2011-12 2015: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and ICF International. 2015. Egypt Health Issues Survey 2015. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt and ICF International. Available at http://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR313-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm#sthash.StgV9s6X.dpuf 2016: Egypt National STEPwise Survey For Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors Report 2017 https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/Egypt_National_STEPwise_Survey_For_Noncommunicable_Diseases_Risk_Factors_2017_Report.pdf?ua=1 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with obesity, 1992-2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1992: Martorell R, Khan LK, Hughes ML, Grummer Strawn LM. Obesity in women from developing countries. EJCN (2000) 54;247-252 2000: SCN (2004). 5th Report on the World Nutrition Situation. Nutrition for Improved Development Outcomes. Appendix 11 2005: El-Zanaty, Fatma and Ann Way. 2006. Egypt Demographic and Health Survey 2005. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population, National Population Council, El-Zanaty and Associates, and ORC Macro. 2008: El-Zanaty, Fatma and Ann Way. 2009. Egypt Demographic and Health Survey 2008. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and Macro International. 2014: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and ICF International. 2015. Egypt Demographic and Health Survey 2014. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population and ICF International. |
| Notes: | Adults aged 15-49 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with overweight or obesity, 2011-2017
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2011: WHO EMRO Egypt STEPS Survey 2011-12 2015: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and ICF International. 2015. Egypt Health Issues Survey 2015. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt and ICF International. Available at http://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR313-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm#sthash.StgV9s6X.dpuf 2016: Egypt National STEPwise Survey For Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors Report 2017 https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/Egypt_National_STEPwise_Survey_For_Noncommunicable_Diseases_Risk_Factors_2017_Report.pdf?ua=1 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2011: WHO EMRO Egypt STEPS Survey 2011-12 2015: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and ICF International. 2015. Egypt Health Issues Survey 2015. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt and ICF International. Available at http://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR313-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm#sthash.StgV9s6X.dpuf 2016: Egypt National STEPwise Survey For Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors Report 2017 https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/Egypt_National_STEPwise_Survey_For_Noncommunicable_Diseases_Risk_Factors_2017_Report.pdf?ua=1 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with overweight or obesity, 1992-2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1992: Martorell R, Khan LK, Hughes ML, Grummer Strawn LM. Obesity in women from developing countries. EJCN (2000) 54;247-252 2000: SCN (2004). 5th Report on the World Nutrition Situation. Nutrition for Improved Development Outcomes. Appendix 11 2005: El-Zanaty, Fatma and Ann Way. 2006. Egypt Demographic and Health Survey 2005. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population, National Population Council, El-Zanaty and Associates, and ORC Macro. 2008: El-Zanaty, Fatma and Ann Way. 2009. Egypt Demographic and Health Survey 2008. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and Macro International. 2014: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and ICF International. 2015. Egypt Demographic and Health Survey 2014. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population and ICF International. |
| Notes: | Adults aged 15-49 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with obesity, selected countries, 1984-2018
Women
| References: | 1984, 1998: Benjelloun S. Nutrition transition in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition. 2002;5(1A):135-140 1991: Al-Lawati JA, Jousilahti PJ. Prevalence and 10year secular trend of obesity in Oman. Saudi Med J 2004;25:346-351 1997: Sibai AM, Hwalla N, Adra N, Rahal B. Prevalence and Covariates of Obesity in Lebanon: Findings from the First Epidemiolgical Study. Obesity Research 203;11:1353-1361 2000: Al-Lawati JA and Jousilahti PJ. (2004). Prevalence and 10 year secular trend of obesity in Oman. Saudi Medical Journal 25: 346 - 351. 2002: WHO Infobase, Macro international data 2007: Department of Statistics [Jordan] and Macro International. 2008. Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2007: Key Findings. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Department of Statistics and Macro International. 2008: Riyami AA, Elaty MAA, Morsi M et al Oman World Health Survey: Part 1 - Methodology, Sociodemographic Profile and Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases in Oman. Oman Medical Journal 2012; 27(5):425-443 2009: WHO STEPS Report 2009 Lebanon 2011: WHO EMRO Egypt STEPS Survey 2011-12 2012: Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International. 2013. Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2012. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International. 2015: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and ICF International. 2015. Egypt Health Issues Survey 2015. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt and ICF International. Available at http://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR313-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm#sthash.StgV9s6X.dpuf 2016: Egypt National STEPwise Survey For Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors Report 2017 https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/Egypt_National_STEPwise_Survey_For_Noncommunicable_Diseases_Risk_Factors_2017_Report.pdf?ua=1 2017: Executive Summary. Oman National Non-Communicable Disease & their Risk Factors Survey 2017 https://mohcsr.gov.om/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Executive-Summary_NCDsurvey2017_En.pdf (last accessed 17.10.19) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Men
| References: | 1984, 1998: Benjelloun S. Nutrition transition in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition. 2002;5(1A):135-140 1991: Al-Lawati JA, Jousilahti PJ. Prevalence and 10year secular trend of obesity in Oman. Saudi Med J 2004;25:346-351 1997: Sibai AM, Hwalla N, Adra N, Rahal B. Prevalence and Covariates of Obesity in Lebanon: Findings from the First Epidemiolgical Study. Obesity Research 203;11:1353-1361 2000: Al-Lawati JA and Jousilahti PJ. (2004). Prevalence and 10 year secular trend of obesity in Oman. Saudi Medical Journal 25: 346 - 351. 2002: WHO Infobase, Macro international data 2007: Department of Statistics [Jordan] and Macro International. 2008. Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2007: Key Findings. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Department of Statistics and Macro International. 2008: Riyami AA, Elaty MAA, Morsi M et al Oman World Health Survey: Part 1 - Methodology, Sociodemographic Profile and Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases in Oman. Oman Medical Journal 2012; 27(5):425-443 2009: WHO STEPS Report 2009 Lebanon 2011: WHO EMRO Egypt STEPS Survey 2011-12 2012: Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International. 2013. Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2012. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International. 2015: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and ICF International. 2015. Egypt Health Issues Survey 2015. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt and ICF International. Available at http://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR313-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm#sthash.StgV9s6X.dpuf 2016: Egypt National STEPwise Survey For Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors Report 2017 https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/Egypt_National_STEPwise_Survey_For_Noncommunicable_Diseases_Risk_Factors_2017_Report.pdf?ua=1 2017: Executive Summary. Oman National Non-Communicable Disease & their Risk Factors Survey 2017 https://mohcsr.gov.om/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Executive-Summary_NCDsurvey2017_En.pdf (last accessed 17.10.19) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
