England
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Population breakdowns
- Policies
- Contextual factors
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Much responsibility for healthcare in the UK is devolved, meaning that figures are more generally available for each devolved nation. You can view data for Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales. Some figures are also collated for the United Kingdom as a whole.
Obesity prevalence
Trends over time
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The report card collates all the most-recent graphics for this country. If you would like to produce a custom report based on selected graphics, just tap the Add to custom PDF button below the graphics you would like to use.Population breakdowns
Policies
National Obesity Strategy
Nutritional or Health Strategy
Marketing
Physical Activity
Tax/Subsidies on Food or Beverages
Community Interventions
Transnational Obesity Strategies
Labelling
Regulations (voluntary/pledges)
Health Effectiveness Reviews
Multidisciplinary Intervention
Management or treatment guidelines
Non-national strategies
School Food Regulations
Breastfeeding
Obesity Target
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Contextual factors
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6681 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Notes: | The Health Survey for England 2021 data for adults is now available. However, as the data was self-report it has not been uploaded on the Observatory. The data can be accessed here https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2021 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6704 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6530 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6566 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (last accessed 13 December 2017) |
| 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: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6836 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14th December 2016) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6943 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2014 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19297 (last accessed 16th December 2015) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 7451 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2013 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6970 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health survey for England 2012 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB13219 |
| 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
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 7008 |
| Area covered: | National (ENGLAND) |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2011 (http://www.ic.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=10152&returnid=1685 last accessed 7th January 2013) |
| 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: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6987 |
| Area covered: | National (England) |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2010 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2009
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 4100 |
| Area covered: | England - National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2009 |
| 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 |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 12835 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2008. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2007
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 5991 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Craig R and Shelton N. (2008). Health Survey for England 2007. Healthy Lifestyles: Knowledge, attitudes and Behaviour. Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, Leeds. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 12088 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2006. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2005
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6328 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2005. |
| 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
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 5584 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2004. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2003
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 13089 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2003. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6478 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2002. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2001
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 13681 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2001. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2000
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20-84 |
| Sample size: | 6963 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2000. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1999
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6903 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 1999. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1998
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 14330 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 1998. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1997
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 7939 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 1997. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1996
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 15061 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 1996. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1995
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 14436 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 1995. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1994
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 14679 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 1994. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1993
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 15284 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 1993. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1981
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Royal College of Physicians (1983). Obesity. Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London Vol 17 (No 1) January 1983 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 1392 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Definitions: | 85/95th UK Centiles |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 2671 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2018 |
| Notes: | Not International IOTF Cut off. Overweight was defined as at or above the 85th but below the 95th UK National BMI percentile Obesity was defined as at or above the 95th UK National BMI percentile |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 2581 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) |
| Notes: | Not International IOTF Cut off. Overweight was defined as at or above the 85th but below the 95th UK National BMI percentile Obesity was defined as at or above the 95th UK National BMI percentile |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 1334 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (Last Accessed 13 December 2017) |
| Notes: | 85th and 95th Centile |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 4467 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2015 |
| Notes: | 85th & 95th Centile |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-15 |
| Sample size: | 992 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2014, Data analysed by Danielle Sharfman (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Rachel Jackson Leach on behalf of the World Obesity Federation |
| Notes: | Graphics use IOTF international cut off point Using WHO Cut off Boys aged 6-15 yrs 32.1% combined overweight, 20.7% overweight, 11.4% obese Girls aged 6-15yrs 32% combined overweight, 23.3% overweight, 8.7% obese |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 63134 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | HSE 2013. http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB16076/HSE2013-Ch11-Child-BMI.pdf |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-17 |
| Sample size: | 1197 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England |
| Notes: | IOTF International Cut off. Weighted to WHO World Standard |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2009
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-17 |
| Sample size: | 2862 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2009 |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut off points - reanalysed unweighted results. Weighted results will be made available in the future |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2007
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-17 |
| Sample size: | 5086 |
| Area covered: | National (England) |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2007 |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2005
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 63134 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | HSE 2013. http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB16076/HSE2013-Ch11-Child-BMI.pdf |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2001-2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-15 |
| Sample size: | 8867 |
| References: | Department of Health. The Health of Children and Young People |
| Notes: | Boys = 4465Girls = 4402 IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 1995
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 63134 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | HSE 2013. http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB16076/HSE2013-Ch11-Child-BMI.pdf |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 1994
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 4-11 |
| Sample size: | 30755 |
| References: | Chinn S, Rona RJ. Prevalence and trends inoverweight and obesity in three cross sectional studies of British children, 1974-94. BMJ (2001);322:24-26 |
| Notes: | Sample size = boys and girls from England and Scotland included over the duration of the study. Number per year not specified. IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 1984
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 4-11 |
| Sample size: | 30755 |
| References: | Chinn S, Rona RJ. Prevalence and trends inoverweight and obesity in three cross sectional studies of British children, 1974-94. BMJ (2001);322:24-26 |
| Notes: | Sample size = boys and girls from England and Scotland included over the duration of the study. Number per year not specified. IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 1974
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 4-11 |
| Sample size: | 30755 |
| References: | Chinn S, Rona RJ. Prevalence and trends inoverweight and obesity in three cross sectional studies of British children, 1974-94. BMJ (2001);322:24-26 |
| Notes: | 30755 boys and girls from England and Scotland included over the duration of the study. Number per year not specified. IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
% Adults living with obesity, 2013-2017
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2013: HSE 2013. http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB16076/HSE2013-Ch10-Adult-anth-meas.pdf (last accessed 4th June 2015)
2015: Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14 December 2016). 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2013: HSE 2013. http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB16076/HSE2013-Ch10-Adult-anth-meas.pdf (last accessed 4th June 2015)
2015: Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14 December 2016). 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) |
| 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, 1981-2019
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1981: Royal College of Physicians (1983). Obesity. Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London Vol 17 (No 1) January 1983 1993: Health Survey for England 1993. 1995: Health Survey for England 1995. 1996: Health Survey for England 1996. 1997: Health Survey for England 1997. 1998: Health Survey for England 1998. 1999: Health Survey for England 1999. 2000: Health Survey for England 2000. 2001: Health Survey for England 2001. 2002: Health Survey for England 2002. 2003: Health Survey for England 2003. 2004: Health Survey for England 2004. 2005: Health Survey for England 2005. 2006: Health Survey for England 2006. 2007: Craig R and Shelton N. (2008). Health Survey for England 2007. Healthy Lifestyles: Knowledge, attitudes and Behaviour. Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, Leeds. 2008: Health Survey for England 2008. 2009: Health Survey for England 2009 2010: Health Survey for England 2010 2011: Health Survey for England 2011 (http://www.ic.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=10152&returnid=1685 last accessed 7th January 2013) 2012: Health survey for England 2012 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB13219 2013: Health Survey for England 2013 2014: Health Survey for England 2014 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19297 (last accessed 16th December 2015) 2015: Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14th December 2016) 2016: Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (last accessed 13 December 2017) 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) 2018: Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) 2019: Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1981: Royal College of Physicians (1983). Obesity. Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London Vol 17 (No 1) January 1983 1993: Health Survey for England 1993. 1995: Health Survey for England 1995. 1996: Health Survey for England 1996. 1997: Health Survey for England 1997. 1998: Health Survey for England 1998. 1999: Health Survey for England 1999. 2000: Health Survey for England 2000. 2001: Health Survey for England 2001. 2002: Health Survey for England 2002. 2003: Health Survey for England 2003. 2004: Health Survey for England 2004. 2005: Health Survey for England 2005. 2006: Health Survey for England 2006. 2007: Craig R and Shelton N. (2008). Health Survey for England 2007. Healthy Lifestyles: Knowledge, attitudes and Behaviour. Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, Leeds. 2008: Health Survey for England 2008. 2009: Health Survey for England 2009 2010: Health Survey for England 2010 2011: Health Survey for England 2011 (http://www.ic.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=10152&returnid=1685 last accessed 7th January 2013) 2012: Health survey for England 2012 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB13219 2013: Health Survey for England 2013 2014: Health Survey for England 2014 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19297 (last accessed 16th December 2015) 2015: Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14th December 2016) 2016: Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (last accessed 13 December 2017) 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) 2018: Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) 2019: Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with overweight or obesity, 1981-2019
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1981: Royal College of Physicians (1983). Obesity. Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London Vol 17 (No 1) January 1983 1993: Health Survey for England 1993. 1994: Health Survey for England 1994. 1995: Health Survey for England 1995. 1996: Health Survey for England 1996. 1997: Health Survey for England 1997. 1998: Health Survey for England 1998. 1999: Health Survey for England 1999. 2000: Health Survey for England 2000. 2001: Health Survey for England 2001. 2002: Health Survey for England 2002. 2003: Health Survey for England 2003. 2004: Health Survey for England 2004. 2005: Health Survey for England 2005. 2006: Health Survey for England 2006. 2007: Craig R and Shelton N. (2008). Health Survey for England 2007. Healthy Lifestyles: Knowledge, attitudes and Behaviour. Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, Leeds. 2008: Health Survey for England 2008. 2009: Health Survey for England 2009 2010: Health Survey for England 2010 2011: Health Survey for England 2011 (http://www.ic.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=10152&returnid=1685 last accessed 7th January 2013) 2012: Health survey for England 2012 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB13219 2013: Health Survey for England 2013 2014: Health Survey for England 2014 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19297 (last accessed 16th December 2015) 2015: Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14th December 2016) 2016: Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (last accessed 13 December 2017) 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) 2018: Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) 2019: Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1981: Royal College of Physicians (1983). Obesity. Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London Vol 17 (No 1) January 1983 1993: Health Survey for England 1993. 1994: Health Survey for England 1994. 1995: Health Survey for England 1995. 1996: Health Survey for England 1996. 1997: Health Survey for England 1997. 1998: Health Survey for England 1998. 1999: Health Survey for England 1999. 2000: Health Survey for England 2000. 2001: Health Survey for England 2001. 2002: Health Survey for England 2002. 2003: Health Survey for England 2003. 2004: Health Survey for England 2004. 2005: Health Survey for England 2005. 2006: Health Survey for England 2006. 2007: Craig R and Shelton N. (2008). Health Survey for England 2007. Healthy Lifestyles: Knowledge, attitudes and Behaviour. Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, Leeds. 2008: Health Survey for England 2008. 2009: Health Survey for England 2009 2010: Health Survey for England 2010 2011: Health Survey for England 2011 (http://www.ic.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=10152&returnid=1685 last accessed 7th January 2013) 2012: Health survey for England 2012 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB13219 2013: Health Survey for England 2013 2014: Health Survey for England 2014 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19297 (last accessed 16th December 2015) 2015: Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14th December 2016) 2016: Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (last accessed 13 December 2017) 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) 2018: Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) 2019: Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Children living with overweight or obesity in England 1974-1994
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1974, 1984: Chinn S, Rona RJ. Prevalence and trends inoverweight and obesity in three cross sectional studies of British children, 1974-94. BMJ (2001);322:24-26 1994: Health Survey for England 1994. |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Children living with overweight or obesity, 2005-2019
Boys
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2005, 2013: HSE 2013. http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB16076/HSE2013-Ch11-Child-BMI.pdf 2015: Health Survey for England 2015 2016: Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (Last Accessed 13 December 2017) 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) 2018: Health Survey for England 2018 2019: Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Girls
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2005, 2013: HSE 2013. http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB16076/HSE2013-Ch11-Child-BMI.pdf 2015: Health Survey for England 2015 2016: Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (Last Accessed 13 December 2017) 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) 2018: Health Survey for England 2018 2019: Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with obesity, selected countries, 1976-2019
Men
| References: | 1976, 1987: Visscher TLS, Kromhout D, Seidell J. Long term and recent time trends in the prevalence of obesity among Dutch men and women. IJO 2002;26:1218-24 1981: Royal College of Physicians (1983). Obesity. Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London Vol 17 (No 1) January 1983 1982: Lahti-Koski M, Vartiainen E, Mannisto S, Pietinen P. Age, education and occupation as determinants of trends in body mass index in Finland from 1982 to 1997. International Journal of Obesity (2000);24:1669-1676 1985: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 Aug;29(8):916-24 1990: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 online published ahead of print. 1992: Lahti-Koski M, Pietinen P, Munnisto S, Vartiainen E. Trends in waist to hip ratio and its determinants in adults in Finland from 1987 to 1997. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000;72:1436-1444 1993: Health Survey for England 1993. 1995: Health Survey for England 1995. 1996: Health Survey for England 1996. 1997: Health Survey for England 1997. 1998: Health Survey for England 1998. 1999: Health Survey for England 1999. 2000: Health Survey for England 2000. 2001: Health Survey for England 2001. 2002: Berg C, Rosengeren A, Aires N, Lappas G, Toren K, Thelle D and Lissner L. (2005). Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO, 29 (8): 916 - 924. 2003: Health Survey for England 2003. 2004: Health Survey for England 2004. 2005: Health Survey for England 2005. 2006: Health Survey for England 2006. 2007: Craig R and Shelton N. (2008). Health Survey for England 2007. Healthy Lifestyles: Knowledge, attitudes and Behaviour. Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, Leeds. 2008: Gutierrez-Fisac JL, Guallar-Castillion P, Leon-Munoz LM, Graciani A, Banegas JR & Rodriguez-Artalejo F. Prevalence of general and abdominal obesity in the adult population of Spain, 2008-2010. Obesity Reviews early online 12th Dec 2011. 2009: Health Survey for England 2009 2010: Health Survey for England 2010 2011: Health Survey for England 2011 (http://www.ic.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=10152&returnid=1685 last accessed 7th January 2013) 2012: Health survey for England 2012 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB13219 2013: Health Survey for England 2013 2014: Health Survey for England 2014 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19297 (last accessed 16th December 2015) 2015: Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14th December 2016) 2016: Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (last accessed 13 December 2017) 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) 2018: Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) 2019: Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| References: | 1976, 1987: Visscher TLS, Kromhout D, Seidell J. Long term and recent time trends in the prevalence of obesity among Dutch men and women. IJO 2002;26:1218-24 1981: Royal College of Physicians (1983). Obesity. Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London Vol 17 (No 1) January 1983 1982: Lahti-Koski M, Vartiainen E, Mannisto S, Pietinen P. Age, education and occupation as determinants of trends in body mass index in Finland from 1982 to 1997. International Journal of Obesity (2000);24:1669-1676 1985: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 Aug;29(8):916-24 1990: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 online published ahead of print. 1992: Lahti-Koski M, Pietinen P, Munnisto S, Vartiainen E. Trends in waist to hip ratio and its determinants in adults in Finland from 1987 to 1997. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000;72:1436-1444 1993: Health Survey for England 1993. 1995: Health Survey for England 1995. 1996: Health Survey for England 1996. 1997: Health Survey for England 1997. 1998: Health Survey for England 1998. 1999: Health Survey for England 1999. 2000: Health Survey for England 2000. 2001: Health Survey for England 2001. 2002: Berg C, Rosengeren A, Aires N, Lappas G, Toren K, Thelle D and Lissner L. (2005). Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO, 29 (8): 916 - 924. 2003: Health Survey for England 2003. 2004: Health Survey for England 2004. 2005: Health Survey for England 2005. 2006: Health Survey for England 2006. 2007: Craig R and Shelton N. (2008). Health Survey for England 2007. Healthy Lifestyles: Knowledge, attitudes and Behaviour. Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, Leeds. 2008: Gutierrez-Fisac JL, Guallar-Castillion P, Leon-Munoz LM, Graciani A, Banegas JR & Rodriguez-Artalejo F. Prevalence of general and abdominal obesity in the adult population of Spain, 2008-2010. Obesity Reviews early online 12th Dec 2011. 2009: Health Survey for England 2009 2010: Health Survey for England 2010 2011: Health Survey for England 2011 (http://www.ic.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=10152&returnid=1685 last accessed 7th January 2013) 2012: Health survey for England 2012 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB13219 2013: Health Survey for England 2013 2014: Health Survey for England 2014 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19297 (last accessed 16th December 2015) 2015: Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14th December 2016) 2016: Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (last accessed 13 December 2017) 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) 2018: Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) 2019: Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with obesity, selected countries, 1960-2019
Men
| References: | 1960, 1971, 1973, 1976, 1991: Flegal KM, Carroll MD, Kuczmarski RJ, Johnson CL. Overweight and obesity in the United States: prevalence and trends, 1960-1994. International Journal of Obesity (1998);22:39-47 1975: Monteiro CA, Conde WL, Popking BM. Is obesity replacing or adding to undernutrition? Evidence from different social classes in Brazil. 2002. Public Health Nutrition:51(1A), 105-112 1981: Royal College of Physicians (1983). Obesity. Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London Vol 17 (No 1) January 1983 1982: Rodriguez-Ojea A, Jimenez S, Berdasco A, Esquivel M. The nutrition transition in Cuba in the nineties:an overview. Public health Nutrition 2002:5(1A), 129-133 1985: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 Aug;29(8):916-24 1986: Yoshiike N, Seino F, Tajima S, Arai Y, Kawano M, Furuhata T, Inoue S. Twenty-year changes in the prevalence of overweight in Japanese adults: The National Nutrition Survey 1976-95. Obesity Reviews 2002;3:183-190 1988: Berrios X, Jadue I, Zenteno J, Ross MI, Rodriguez H. Prevalencia de factores de riesgo para enfermedades cronicas. Estudio de la poblacion general de la region Metropolitana, 1986-1987. Rev. Med. Chile. 1990;118:597-604 1990: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 online published ahead of print. 1992: Uauy R, Albal C, Kain J. Obesity Trends in Latin America: Transiting from Under-to Overweight. Journal of Nutrition 2001;131:S893-S899 1993: Health Survey for England 1993. 1995: Health Survey for England 1995. 1996: Health Survey for England 1996. 1997: Health Survey for England 1997. 1998: Rodriguez-Ojea A, Jimenez S, Berdasco A and Esquivel M. (2002). The Nutrition transition in Cuba in the nineties: an overview. Public Health Nutrition, 5 (1A): 129 - 133. 1999: Health Survey for England 1999. 2000: Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Curtin LR, McDowell MA, Tabak CJ, Flegal KM. Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in the United States, 1999-2004. JAMA 2006;295(13):1549-1555 2001: Health Survey for England 2001. 2002: Berg C, Rosengeren A, Aires N, Lappas G, Toren K, Thelle D and Lissner L. (2005). Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO, 29 (8): 916 - 924. 2003: Health Survey for England 2003. 2004: Health Survey for England 2004. 2005: Health Survey for England 2005. 2006: Health Survey for England 2006. 2007: Craig R and Shelton N. (2008). Health Survey for England 2007. Healthy Lifestyles: Knowledge, attitudes and Behaviour. Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, Leeds. 2008: Health Survey for England 2008. 2009: Health Survey for England 2009 2010: Health Survey for England 2010 2011: Health Survey for England 2011 (http://www.ic.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=10152&returnid=1685 last accessed 7th January 2013) 2012: Health survey for England 2012 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB13219 2013: Health Survey for England 2013 2014: Health Survey for England 2014 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19297 (last accessed 16th December 2015) 2015: Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14th December 2016) 2016: Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (last accessed 13 December 2017) 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) 2018: Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) 2019: Scottish Health Survey 2019. https://www.gov.scot/collections/scottish-health-survey/ (last accessed 30.09.20) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| References: | 1960, 1971, 1973, 1976, 1991: Flegal KM, Carroll MD, Kuczmarski RJ, Johnson CL. Overweight and obesity in the United States: prevalence and trends, 1960-1994. International Journal of Obesity (1998);22:39-47 1975: Monteiro CA, Conde WL, Popking BM. Is obesity replacing or adding to undernutrition? Evidence from different social classes in Brazil. 2002. Public Health Nutrition:51(1A), 105-112 1981: Royal College of Physicians (1983). Obesity. Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London Vol 17 (No 1) January 1983 1982: Rodriguez-Ojea A, Jimenez S, Berdasco A, Esquivel M. The nutrition transition in Cuba in the nineties:an overview. Public health Nutrition 2002:5(1A), 129-133 1985: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 Aug;29(8):916-24 1986: Yoshiike N, Seino F, Tajima S, Arai Y, Kawano M, Furuhata T, Inoue S. Twenty-year changes in the prevalence of overweight in Japanese adults: The National Nutrition Survey 1976-95. Obesity Reviews 2002;3:183-190 1988: Berrios X, Jadue I, Zenteno J, Ross MI, Rodriguez H. Prevalencia de factores de riesgo para enfermedades cronicas. Estudio de la poblacion general de la region Metropolitana, 1986-1987. Rev. Med. Chile. 1990;118:597-604 1990: Berg C, Rosengren A, Aires N, :appas G, Toren K, Thelle D, Lissner L. Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO 2005 online published ahead of print. 1992: Uauy R, Albal C, Kain J. Obesity Trends in Latin America: Transiting from Under-to Overweight. Journal of Nutrition 2001;131:S893-S899 1993: Health Survey for England 1993. 1995: Health Survey for England 1995. 1996: Health Survey for England 1996. 1997: Health Survey for England 1997. 1998: Rodriguez-Ojea A, Jimenez S, Berdasco A and Esquivel M. (2002). The Nutrition transition in Cuba in the nineties: an overview. Public Health Nutrition, 5 (1A): 129 - 133. 1999: Health Survey for England 1999. 2000: Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Curtin LR, McDowell MA, Tabak CJ, Flegal KM. Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in the United States, 1999-2004. JAMA 2006;295(13):1549-1555 2001: Health Survey for England 2001. 2002: Berg C, Rosengeren A, Aires N, Lappas G, Toren K, Thelle D and Lissner L. (2005). Trends in overweight and obesity from 1985 to 2002 in Goteborg, West Sweden. IJO, 29 (8): 916 - 924. 2003: Health Survey for England 2003. 2004: Health Survey for England 2004. 2005: Health Survey for England 2005. 2006: Health Survey for England 2006. 2007: Craig R and Shelton N. (2008). Health Survey for England 2007. Healthy Lifestyles: Knowledge, attitudes and Behaviour. Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, Leeds. 2008: Health Survey for England 2008. 2009: Health Survey for England 2009 2010: Health Survey for England 2010 2011: Health Survey for England 2011 (http://www.ic.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=10152&returnid=1685 last accessed 7th January 2013) 2012: Health survey for England 2012 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB13219 2013: Health Survey for England 2013 2014: Health Survey for England 2014 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19297 (last accessed 16th December 2015) 2015: Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14th December 2016) 2016: Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (last accessed 13 December 2017) 2017: Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) 2018: Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) 2019: Scottish Health Survey 2019. https://www.gov.scot/collections/scottish-health-survey/ (last accessed 30.09.20) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Overweight/obesity by age and education
Adults, 2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 6689 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Reanalysis by World Obesity Federation, on the Health Survey for England 2018. Data provided by the UK Data Archive. |
| Notes: | 1 - NVQ4/NVQ5/Degree equivalent 2 - Higher of below 3 - NVQ3/ GCE A Level equivalent 4 - NVQ2/ GCE O Level equivalent 5 - NVQ1/CSE other grade 6 - No qualification |
| Definitions: | Sample size in NVQ1/CSE other grade is small n=225 care should be taken when interpreting this data |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by education
Men, 2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6689 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Reanalysis by World Obesity Federation, on the Health Survey for England 2018. Data provided by the UK Data Archive. |
| Notes: | Those with Foreign or 'other' qualifications are not presented in the chart |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6689 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Reanalysis by World Obesity Federation, on the Health Survey for England 2018. Data provided by the UK Data Archive. |
| Notes: | Those with Foreign or 'other' qualifications are not presented in the chart |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2018-2019
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 181535 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | House of Commons. “Briefing Paper: Obesity Statistics.” 2021. Available at: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn03336/. Uses data from from the Active Lives Survey as published via Public Health England’s data dashboard - available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/search/overweight#page/7/gid/1/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/101/are/E09000002/iid/93088/age/168/sex/4/cid/4/tbm/1/page-options/ine-yo-1:2018:-1:-1_ine-pt-0_ine-ct-108. Last accessed: 13.04.21. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| Sample size: | 6184 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Data from Health Survey for England 2014, reanalysed by Danielle Sharfman from University of Wisconsin-Madison & Rachel Jackson Leach on behalf of World Obesity Federation |
| 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: | 25+ |
| Sample size: | 6184 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Data from Health Survey for England 2014, reanalysed by Danielle Sharfman from University of Wisconsin-Madison & Rachel Jackson Leach on behalf of World Obesity Federation |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2012-2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 11 |
| Sample size: | 11764 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Massion S,Wickham S, Pearce A, et al. Exploring the impact of early life factors on inequalities in risk of overweight in UK children: findings from the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Arch Dis Child Published Online First 9th May 2016 |
| Notes: | IOTF International Cut off point |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Overweight/obesity by age
Adults, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 6681 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 6704 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 6530 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 [Accessed 7.1.19]. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 6566 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (Last accessed 13 December 2017) |
| 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 |
| Sample size: | 5639 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14 December 2016). |
| Notes: | Body mass index (BMI), overweight and obesity prevalence, by age |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 6943 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2014 (http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19297 last accessed 16th December 2016) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 6000 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2013 Adults |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1981
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 5000 households |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | OPCS 1981 survey published in Royal College of Physicians (1983). Obesity. Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London Vol 17 (No 1) January 1983 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 1392 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Definitions: | 85th/95th UK Centiles |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 2671 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 2581 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 [Accessed 7th January 2019]. |
| Notes: | 85th and 95th Centile cut-offs used. |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 1334 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (Last accessed 13 December 2017) |
| Notes: | 85th and 95th Centile |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 992 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2014, Data analysed by Danielle Sharfman (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Rachel Jackson Leach on behalf of the World Obesity Federation |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 1451 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | HSE 2013. http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB16076/HSE2013-Ch11-Child-BMI.pdf |
| Notes: | 85th & 95th UK National BMI Centile |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 3785 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Reanalysed by World Obesity Federation, Data from Health Survey for England 2010 |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 1998
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 1998. Data re-analysed by the IOTF |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Overweight/obesity by region
Men, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6681 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6681 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6530 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 [Accessed 7.1.19]. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6530 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 [Accessed 7.1.19]. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6566 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (Last accessed 13 December 2017) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6566 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (Last accessed 13 December 2017) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 5639 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14 December 2016). |
| Notes: | Standardised % overweight and obesity prevalence, by region |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 5639 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14 December 2016). |
| Notes: | Standardised % overweight and obesity prevalence, by region |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6000 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | HSE 2013. http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB16076/HSE2013-Ch10-Adult-anth-meas.pdf (last accessed 4th June 2015) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6000 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | HSE 2013. http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB16076/HSE2013-Ch10-Adult-anth-meas.pdf (last accessed 4th June 2015) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 7038 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB09300/HSE2011-Ch10-Adult-obesity.pdf (last accessed 29th July 2015) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 7038 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB09300/HSE2011-Ch10-Adult-obesity.pdf (last accessed 29th July 2015) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2019-2020
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10-11 |
| Sample size: | 491138 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | National Child Measurement Programme, England - 2019/20 School Year (2020). Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/national-child-measurement-programme/2019-20-school-year. Last accessed: 13.04.21 |
| Definitions: | 85th centile overweight 95th centile obese |
Children, 2017-2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10-11 |
| Sample size: | 576574 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | National Child Measurement Programme, England - 2017/18 School Year https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/national-child-measurement-programme/2017-18-school-year (last accessed 14.03.19) |
| Notes: | 85th centile overweight 95th centile obese 99.6 centile severe obesity |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group
Men, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6681 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6681 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6704 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6704 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-data-tables (last accessed 03.012.19) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6530 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6530 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 (last accessed 4.12.18) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6566 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (Last accessed 13 December 2017) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6566 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (Last accessed 13 December 2017) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 5639 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14 December 2016). |
| Notes: | Body mass index (BMI), overweight and obesity prevalence, by equivalised household income |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 5639 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2015. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/searchcatalogue?productid=23711&returnid=1685 (last accessed 14 December 2016). |
| Notes: | Body mass index (BMI), overweight and obesity prevalence, by equivalised household income |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6000 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2013, http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB16076/HSE2013-Ch10-Adult-anth-meas.pdf (last accessed 4th June 2015) |
| Notes: | By Index of Multiple Deprivation |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6000 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2013, http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB16076/HSE2013-Ch10-Adult-anth-meas.pdf (last accessed 4th June 2015) |
| Notes: | By Index of Multiple Deprivation |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6000 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | HSE 2013. http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB16076/HSE2013-Ch10-Adult-anth-meas.pdf (last accessed 4th June 2015) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 6000 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | HSE 2013. http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB16076/HSE2013-Ch10-Adult-anth-meas.pdf (last accessed 4th June 2015) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2003
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 12809 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Department of Health (2004) Health Survey for England 2003. See www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/PublishedSurvey/HealthSurveyForEngland/fs/en (last accessed 20th July 2006) |
| Notes: | Age-standardised percentages: see source for method of age-standardisation |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2003
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Sample size: | 12809 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Department of Health (2004) Health Survey for England 2003. See www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/PublishedSurvey/HealthSurveyForEngland/fs/en (last accessed 20th July 2006) |
| Notes: | Age-standardised percentages: see source for method of age-standardisation |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Boys, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 1392 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Definitions: | 85/95th UK Centile |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Girls, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 1392 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2019 available at http://digital.nhs.uk/pubs/hse2019 (last accessed 16.12.20) |
| Definitions: | 85/95th UK Centile |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Boys, 2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 615 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2018 |
| Notes: | 85th/95th Centile Cut off |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Girls, 2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 615 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2018 |
| Notes: | 85th/95th Centile Cut off |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Boys, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 2581 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 [Accessed 7th January 2019]. |
| Notes: | 85th and 95th Centile cut-offs used. |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Girls, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 2581 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2017 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2017 [Accessed 7th January 2019]. |
| Notes: | 85th and 95th Centile cut-offs used. |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Boys, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 1334 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (Last accessed 13 December 2017) |
| Notes: | 85th and 95th Centile |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Girls, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-15 |
| Sample size: | 1334 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Health Survey for England 2016. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB30169 (Last accessed 13 December 2017) |
| Notes: | 85th and 95th Centile |
| Cutoffs: | Other |