Ethiopia
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Health systems
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National obesity risk *7/10This 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 *2.5/11This 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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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
Drivers
Comorbidities
Health systems
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 24586 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia 2016 |
| Notes: | NB. Combined adult data estimated. These estimates were calculated by weighting male and female survey results. Weighting based on World Bank Population % total female 2019 (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.FE.ZS - accessed 30.09.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-69 |
| Sample size: | 9801 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Ethiopia 2015 STEPS Survey. https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/Ethiopia_2015_STEPS_Report.pdf (Last accessed 10.08.20) |
| Notes: | 3977 Men, 5823 Women |
| 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: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 26614 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | DHS 2011 |
| 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: | 5901 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey 2005 |
| Notes: | Other 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: | 6493 |
| 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. | |
Children, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 5338 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) [Ethiopia] and ICF. 2021. Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey 2019: Final Report. Rockville, Maryland, USA: EPHI and ICF. https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR363/FR363.pdf (Last accessed 19.05.21) |
| Notes: | Infants. |
| Definitions: | Children whose weight-for-height Z-score is more than two standard deviations (+2 SD) above the median of the reference population are considered overweight. |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 11-15 |
| Sample size: | 448 |
| Area covered: | Regional |
| References: | Desalew A, Mandesh A, Semahegn A. Childhood overweight, obesity and associated factors among primary school children in dire dawa, eastern Ethiopia; a cross-sectional study.BMC Obes. 2017 Jun 1;4:20. doi: 10.1186/s40608-017-0156-2. eCollection 2017. |
| Notes: | Region: Dire Dawa (Eastern Ethiopia), Small sample size, n= 448 |
| Cutoffs: | CDC |
% Adults living with obesity, 2000-2016
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2000: SCN (2004). 5th Report on the World Nutrition Situation. Nutrition for Improved Development Outcomes. Appendix 11 2005: Demographic Health Survey 2005 2011: DHS 2011 2016: Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia 2016 |
| 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, 2000-2016
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2000: SCN (2004). 5th Report on the World Nutrition Situation. Nutrition for Improved Development Outcomes. Appendix 11 2005: Demographic Health Survey 2005 2011: DHS 2011 2016: Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia 2016 |
| 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. | |
Overweight/obesity by education
Men, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 25629 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia 2016 |
| 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: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 25629 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia 2016 |
| 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: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 27614 |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia, 2011 |
| 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: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 27614 |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia, 2011 |
| 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: | 5901 |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia, 2005 |
| 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 age
Adults, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 25586 |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia, 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, 2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 27614 |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia, 2011 |
| 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 |
| Sample size: | 5901 |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia, 2005 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 1987-1995
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 1774 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Ferro-Luzzi A, National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research, Rome, Italy. Unpublished data reanalysed 2001 |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Overweight/obesity by region
Men, 2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 27614 |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia, 2011 |
| 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: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 27614 |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia, 2011 |
| 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: | 5901 |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia, 2005 |
| 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: | 5338 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) [Ethiopia] and ICF. 2021. Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey 2019: Final Report. Rockville, Maryland, USA: EPHI and ICF. https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR363/FR363.pdf (Last accessed 19.05.21) |
| Notes: | Infants. |
| Definitions: | Children whose weight-for-height Z-score is more than two standard deviations (+2 SD) above the median of the reference population are considered overweight. |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group
Men, 2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 27614 |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia, 2011 |
| 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: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 27614 |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia, 2011 |
| 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: | 5901 |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey, Ethiopia, 2005 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 11-15 |
| Sample size: | 448 |
| Area covered: | Regional - Dire Dawa |
| References: | Desalew A, Mandesh A, Semahegn A. Childhood overweight, obesity and associated factors among primary school children in dire dawa, eastern Ethiopia; a cross-sectional study.BMC Obes. 2017 Jun 1;4:20. doi: 10.1186/s40608-017-0156-2. eCollection 2017. |
| Notes: | CDC Cut off SMALL SAMPLE |
| Cutoffs: | CDC |
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 |
Men, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Women, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Estimated per capita fruit intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day) |
Estimated per-capita processed meat intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day) |
Estimated per capita whole grains intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day) |
Mental health - depression disorders
Adults, 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 |
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 |
% Infants exclusively breastfed 0-5 months
Children, 2005-2020
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey 2019: Final Report. Rockville, Maryland, USA: EPHI and ICF, 2021. |
| 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 |
Oesophageal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Breast cancer
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, breast, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Colorectal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Pancreatic cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Gallbladder cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Kidney cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Cancer of the uterus
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, cervix uteri, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Raised blood pressure
Adults, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Men, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Women, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Raised cholesterol
Adults, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Men, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Women, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Raised fasting blood glucose
Men, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Women, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Diabetes prevalence
Adults, 2019
| Age: | 20-79 |
| References: | Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edn. Brussels,Belgium: 2019. Available at: https://www.diabetesatlas.org |
| Definitions: | Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%). |
Adults, 2017
| References: | Reproduced with kind permission of IDF, International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2017. http://www.diabetesatlas.org |
| Definitions: | Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%). |
Health systems
Economic classification: Low Income
Health systems summary
Ethiopia is committed to having universal health coverage by 2035. Current efforts are focused on improving financial protection by reducing out of pocket (OOP) expenditure (which currently makes up one-third of total health expenditure). To reduce OOP expenditure and increase access to care, the Ethiopian government has endorsed and committed to community-based and social health insurance. The latter for those working in the formal sector and the former for those in the informal sector and rural areas (the majority). Since 2000, there has been great expansion of primary care, predominantly through the successful implementation the “Health Service Extension Programme” in rural areas.
It is estimated that 80% of diseases in Ethiopia are attributable to preventable conditions. These diseases are typically related to poverty and personal and environmental hygiene.
Indicators
| Where is the country’s government in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | No |
| Where is the country’s healthcare provider in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | No |
| Is there specialist training available dedicated to the training of health professionals to prevent, diagnose, treat and manage obesity? | No |
| Have any taxes or subsidies been put in place to protect/assist/inform the population around obesity? | No |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in urban areas? | No |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in rural areas? | No |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for adults? | No |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for children? | No |
| In practice, how is obesity treatment largely funded? | Out of pocket |
Summary of stakeholder feedback
Ethiopia has only recently started working on non-communicable diseases – previously, other diseases have been more of a priority. Still, stakeholders report that obesity is not yet considered a disease and rather, is considered a sign of wealth. As a country that is still working to eliminate malnutrition and undernutrition, obesity is considered a luxury. As a result, there is little being done around prevention with an exception being car-free days on Sundays in major cities.
Healthcare providers too do not consider or treat obesity as a disease, but it is felt that this is slowly changing. There is limited to no coverage for obesity treatment and so if treatment is received, it is paid for out of pocket at great expense to the individual.
According to stakeholders, people living with obesity only enter the system when they have comorbidities or complications (as obesity is not considered a problem by itself). Once in the system they tend to not be referred onto specialist obesity treatment. In fact, one stakeholder reported that for those without comorbidities, they only receive physical activity and dietary advice.
While there is a non-communicable disease strategy, there are no obesity prevention and management guidelines for healthcare professionals. There are also no specialist obesity professionals (which is reflective of the shortage of healthcare professionals overall) and no specialist obesity training
Based on interviews/survey returns from 4 stakeholders
Last updated: June 2020
