• Overview
  • Obesity prevalence
  • Trends over time
  • Population breakdowns
  • Drivers
  • Comorbidities
  • Economic impact
  • Policies
  • Contextual factors
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Obesity prevalence

Adults, 2023

Survey type:Measured
Age:20+
Sample size:5670
Area covered:National
References:Healthy Finland survey 2023. https://repo.thl.fi/sites/tervesuomi/ilmioraportit_2023/lihavuus.html (Accessed 5.12.23)
Notes:Permanent residents only. The health examination took place in January-June 2023.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Data available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:10,000
Area covered:National
References:Finland National Health, Welfare and Services Survey (FinSote) - FinSote 2019 . Data available at:https://sotkanet.fi/sotkanet/en/haku?q=obesity. Last accessed: 27.05.21.
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:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:2017 - EUROSTAT Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:30+
Sample size:9,288
Area covered:National
References:Koponen P. FinTerveys., 2017. Terveys, toimintakyky ja hyvinvointi Suomessa. Available: http://www.julkari.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/136223/THL_RAP_2018_04_Finterveys_verkko.pdf?sequence=6&isAllowed=y. [Last accessed 13th September 2018].
Notes:Data derived from The National FinHealth 2017 Survey, which combines the previous Health 2000/2011 and FINRISK Surveys. 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, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2012

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-64
Sample size:4399
Area covered:National
References:Kansallinen FINRISKI 2012 -terveystutkimus - Osa 2: Tutkimuksen taulukkoliite. http://www.julkari.fi/handle/10024/114942 (last accessed 9th November 2017)
Notes:Data derived from the national FINRISK surveys at the National Institute for Health and Welfare THL. Figures are age-adjusted and population-weighted.
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:25-64
Sample size:4804
Area covered:National
References:Peltonen M, Harald K, Männistö S, Saarikoski L, Lund L, Sundvall J, Juolevi A, Laatikainen T, Aldén-Nieminen H, Luoto R, Jousilahti P, Salomaa V, Taimi M, Vartiainen E. Kansallinen FINRISKI 2007 –terveystutkimus, Tutkimuksen toteutus ja tulokset: Taulukkoliite. Kansanterveyslaitos. Yliopistopaino, Helsinki 2008.
Notes:Data derived from the national FINRISK surveys at the National Institute for Health and Welfare THL. Figures are age-adjusted and population-weighted.
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:30+
References:Personal Correspondence from Ailsa Rissanen, data presented at ECO 03
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2000-2003

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:15+
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat Yearbook 2006/07. A goldmine of statistical information. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/5059290/1-20022007-BP-EN.PDF.pdf/edab8c31-b9f3-4c8e-b4db-4137bd045efa?t=1414683510000 (last accessed 04.11.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 1992

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-64
Sample size:4583
References: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
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 1982

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-64
Sample size:9340
References: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
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2018-2020

Survey type:Measured
Age:8
Sample size:3800
Area covered:National
References:Report on the fifth round of data collection, 2018–2020: WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI). Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2022. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Cutoffs:WHO 2007

Children, 2015-2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:8
Sample size:4511
Area covered:National
References:WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) Report on the fourth round of data collection, 2015–2017 (2021). Available at: https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/nutrition/activities/who-european-childhood-obesity-surveillance-initiative-cosi/cosi-publications/who-european-childhood-obesity-surveillance-initiative-cosi-report-on-the-fourth-round-of-data-collection,-20152017-2021. Accessed 19.05.21.
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2011-2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:9-12
Sample size:10646
Area covered:National
References:Sarkkola C, Viljakainen J, de Oliveira Figueiredo R, A, Saari A, Lommi S, Engberg E, Viljakainen H: Prevalence of thinness, overweight, obesity and central obesity in Finnish school-aged children: a comparison of national and international reference values. Obes Facts 2021. doi: 10.1159/000521170
Notes:Study also have WHO and Finnish cut-offs.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2010

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:13-15
Sample size:4262
Area covered:National
References:Nuutinen, Teija, et al. “Clustering of Energy Balance-Related Behaviours, Sleep, and Overweight among Finnish Adolescents.” International Journal of Public Health, vol. 62, no. 8, 7 June 2017, pp. 929–938, 10.1007/s00038-017-0991-4. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28593331/. Accessed 12 May 2021.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2007-2009

Survey type:Measured
Age:11-16
Sample size:1836
Area covered:National
References:Parikka, S. et al.(2015)'Associations between parental BMI,socioeconomic factors, family structure and overweight in Finnish children: a path model approach', BMC Public Health, 15:271.DOI 10.1186/s12889-015-1548-1
Notes:NB. Combined child 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 09.11.20)
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2006

Survey type:Measured
Age:12
Sample size:4013
Area covered:Regional
References:Vuorela N. (2009). Prevalence of overweight and obesity in 5- and 12-year-old Finnish children in 1986 and 2006. Acta P¬údiatrica, 98; 507 - 512.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 1986

Survey type:Measured
Age:5
Sample size:2108
References:Vuorela N, Saha MT, Salo M. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in 5 and 12 year old Finnish children in 1986 and 2006. Acta Paediatrica 2009;98:507-512
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by age and education

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Notes:NB. Some age ranges missing due to insufficient data to display by age & educational status. No data for those in 0-2 educational category
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Notes:NB. Some age ranges missing due to insufficient data to display by age & educational status. No data for those in 0-2 educational category
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:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Notes:NB. Some age ranges missing due to insufficient data to display by age & educational status. No data for those in 0-2 educational category
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:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:2017 - Education EUROSTAT Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2017

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:2017 - Education EUROSTAT Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20
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

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:10,000
Area covered:National
References:Finland National Health, Welfare and Services Survey (FinSote) - FinSote 2019 . Data available at: https://sotkanet.fi/sotkanet/en/haku?q=obesity. Last accessed: 27.05.21.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:10,000
Area covered:National
References:Finland National Health, Welfare and Services Survey (FinSote) - FinSote 2019 . Data available at: https://sotkanet.fi/sotkanet/en/haku?q=obesity. Last accessed: 27.05.21.
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:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:10,000
Area covered:National
References:Finland National Health, Welfare and Services Survey (FinSote) - FinSote 2019 . Data available at: https://sotkanet.fi/sotkanet/en/haku?q=obesity. Last accessed: 27.05.21.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2017

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:6732
Area covered:National
References:Murto J, Kaikkonen R, Pentala-Nikulainen O, Koskela T, Virtala E, Härkänen T, Koskenniemi T, Jussmäki T, Vartiainen E & Koskinen S. Adult Health, Well-Being and Service Research Basic results 2010-2017. Online publication: http://www.terveytemme.fi/ath/tampere-raisio/html/ath_obesity_bmi30_cr.html (Accessed 6 March 2019).
Notes:NOTE: This data is self-report.
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:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:6732
Area covered:National
References:Murto J, Kaikkonen R, Pentala-Nikulainen O, Koskela T, Virtala E, Härkänen T, Koskenniemi T, Jussmäki T, Vartiainen E & Koskinen S. Adult Health, Well-Being and Service Research Basic results 2010-2017. Online publication: http://www.terveytemme.fi/ath/tampere-raisio/html/ath_obesity_bmi30_cr.html (Accessed 6 March 2019).
Notes:NOTE: This data is self-report.
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:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Notes:Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education (levels 0-2) Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education (levels 3 and 4) Tertiary education (levels 5-8)
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:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Notes:Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education (levels 0-2) Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education (levels 3 and 4) Tertiary education (levels 5-8)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2012

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-64
Sample size:6424
Area covered:National
References:Peltonen M, Harald K, Männistö S, Saarikoski L, Lund L, Sundvall J, Juolevi A, Laatikainen T, Aldén-Nieminen H, Luoto R, Jousilahti P, Salomaa V, Taimi M, Vartiainen E. Kansallinen FINRISKI 2007 –terveystutkimus, Tutkimuksen toteutus ja tulokset: Taulukkoliite. Kansanterveyslaitos. Yliopistopaino, Helsinki 2008
Notes:Mean BMI by Education Level. Note that data is age-standardised and population-weighted.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2012

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-64
Sample size:6424
Area covered:National
References:Peltonen M, Harald K, Männistö S, Saarikoski L, Lund L, Sundvall J, Juolevi A, Laatikainen T, Aldén-Nieminen H, Luoto R, Jousilahti P, Salomaa V, Taimi M, Vartiainen E. Kansallinen FINRISKI 2007 –terveystutkimus, Tutkimuksen toteutus ja tulokset: Taulukkoliite. Kansanterveyslaitos. Yliopistopaino, Helsinki 2008
Notes:Mean BMI by Education Level. Note that data is age-standardised and population-weighted.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2007

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-64
Sample size:20551
Area covered:National
References:Lahti-Koski, M., Harald, K., Saarni, S. E., Peltonen, M. and Männistö, S. (2012), Changes in body mass index and measures of abdominal obesity in Finnish adults between 1992 and 2007, the National FINRISK Study. Clinical Obesity, 2: 57–63. doi: 10.1111/j.1758-8111.2012.00035.x
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2007

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-64
Sample size:20551
Area covered:National
References:Lahti-Koski, M., Harald, K., Saarni, S. E., Peltonen, M. and Männistö, S. (2012), Changes in body mass index and measures of abdominal obesity in Finnish adults between 1992 and 2007, the National FINRISK Study. Clinical Obesity, 2: 57–63. doi: 10.1111/j.1758-8111.2012.00035.x
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2000-2001

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:40-60
Sample size:6227
Area covered:National
References:Laaksonen, M., Sarlio-Lähteenkorva, S. and Lahelma, E. (2004), Multiple Dimensions of Socioeconomic Position and Obesity among Employees: The Helsinki Health Study. Obesity Research, 12: 1851–1858. doi: 10.1038/oby.2004.230
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2000-2001

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:40-60
Sample size:6227
Area covered:National
References:Laaksonen, M., Sarlio-Lähteenkorva, S. and Lahelma, E. (2004), Multiple Dimensions of Socioeconomic Position and Obesity among Employees: The Helsinki Health Study. Obesity Research, 12: 1851–1858. doi: 10.1038/oby.2004.230
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Boys, 2005

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:12-18
Sample size:6503
Area covered:National
References:Kautiainen, Susanna, Koivisto, Anna-Maija, Koivusilta, Leena, Lintonen, Tomi, Virtanen, Suvi M. and Rimpelä, Arja(2009) 'Sociodemographic factors and a secular trend for adolescent overweight in Finland', International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, 4: 4, 360 ¬ó 370
Cutoffs:IOTF

Girls, 2005

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:12-18
Sample size:6503
Area covered:National
References:Kautiainen, Susanna, Koivisto, Anna-Maija, Koivusilta, Leena, Lintonen, Tomi, Virtanen, Suvi M. and Rimpelä, Arja(2009) 'Sociodemographic factors and a secular trend for adolescent overweight in Finland', International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, 4: 4, 360 ¬ó 370
Cutoffs:IOTF

Boys, 1979

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:12-18
Sample size:4273
Area covered:National
References:Kautiainen, Susanna, Koivisto, Anna-Maija, Koivusilta, Leena, Lintonen, Tomi, Virtanen, Suvi M. and Rimpelä, Arja(2009) 'Sociodemographic factors and a secular trend for adolescent overweight in Finland', International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, 4: 4, 360 ¬ó 370
Notes:Prevalence based on Fathers education level
Cutoffs:Other

Girls, 1979

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:12-18
Sample size:4273
Area covered:National
References:Kautiainen, Susanna, Koivisto, Anna-Maija, Koivusilta, Leena, Lintonen, Tomi, Virtanen, Suvi M. and Rimpelä, Arja(2009) 'Sociodemographic factors and a secular trend for adolescent overweight in Finland', International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, 4: 4, 360 ¬ó 370
Notes:Prevalence based on Fathers education level
Cutoffs:Other

Overweight/obesity by age

Adults, 2023

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:5670
Area covered:National
References:Healthy Finland survey 2023. https://repo.thl.fi/sites/tervesuomi/ilmioraportit_2023/lihavuus.html (Accessed 5.12.23)
Notes:Permanent residents only. The health examination took place in January-June 2023.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Sample size:10,000
Area covered:National
References:Finland National Health, Welfare and Services Survey (FinSote) - FinSote 2019 . Data available at:https://sotkanet.fi/sotkanet/en/haku?q=obesity. Last accessed: 27.05.21.
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:Self-reported
Sample size:25,555
Area covered:National
References:Pentala-Nikulainen O, Koskela T, Parikka S, Kilpeläinen H, Koskenniemi T, Aalto AM, Muuri A, Koskinen S & Lounamaa A. National Health, Wellbeing and Service Research FinSote Basic Results 2017-2018. Online publication: thl.fi/finsote.
Notes:This data is self-report
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:Self-reported
Sample size:6732
Area covered:National
References:Murto J, Kaikkonen R, Pentala-Nikulainen O, Koskela T, Virtala E, Härkänen T, Koskenniemi T, Jussmäki T, Vartiainen E & Koskinen S. Adult Health, Well-Being and Service Research Basic results 2010-2017. Online publication: http://www.terveytemme.fi/ath/tampere-raisio/html/ath_obesity_bmi30_cr.html (Accessed 6 March 2019).
Notes:NOTE: This data is self-report.
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:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:2017 - EUROSTAT Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2007

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:20551
Area covered:National
References:Lahti-Koski, M., Harald, K., Saarni, S. E., Peltonen, M. and Männistö, S. (2012), Changes in body mass index and measures of abdominal obesity in Finnish adults between 1992 and 2007, the National FINRISK Study. Clinical Obesity, 2: 57–63. doi: 10.1111/j.1758-8111.2012.00035.x
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:Self-reported
Sample size:3227
Area covered:National
References:WHO Infobase 102584a1 - Helakorpi S, Patja K, Prättälä R, Uutela A. Health behaviour and health among the Finnish adult population, spring 2005. Helsinki, KTL-National Public Health Institute, 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, 2000-2017

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:9,288
Area covered:National
References:Koponen P. FinTerveys., 2017. Terveys, toimintakyky ja hyvinvointi Suomessa. Available: http://www.julkari.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/136223/THL_RAP_2018_04_Finterveys_verkko.pdf?sequence=6&isAllowed=y. [Last accessed 13th September 2018].
Notes:Data derived from The National FinHealth 2017 Survey, which combines the previous Health 2000/2011 and FINRISK Surveys.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2018-2020

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:10846
Area covered:National
References:Report on the fifth round of data collection, 2018–2020: WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI). Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2022. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Cutoffs:WHO 2007

Children, 2015-2017

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:12,961
Area covered:National
References:WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) Report on the fourth round of data collection, 2015–2017 (2021). Available at: https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/nutrition/activities/who-european-childhood-obesity-surveillance-initiative-cosi/cosi-publications/who-european-childhood-obesity-surveillance-initiative-cosi-report-on-the-fourth-round-of-data-collection,-20152017-2021. Accessed 19.05.21.
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2006

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:4016
Area covered:Subnational
References:Vuorela N, Saha MT, Salo M. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in 5 - and 12- year-old Finnish children in 1986 & 2006. Acta Paediatrica 2009;98:507-512
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 1999

Survey type:Self-reported
Sample size:64147
Area covered:National
References:Kautiainen S, Rimpela A, Vikat A, Virtanen SM. Secular trends in overweight and obesity among Finnish adolescents in 1977-1999. International Journal of Obesity 2002;26:544-552
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 1977

Survey type:Self-reported
Sample size:64147
Area covered:National
References:Kautiainen S, Rimpela A, Vikat A, Virtanen SM. Secular trends in overweight and obesity among Finnish adolescents in 1977-1999. International Journal of Obesity 2002;26:544-552
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by region

Adults, 2018

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:10,000
Area covered:National
References:Finland National Health, Welfare and Services Survey (FinSote) - FinSote 2019 . Data available at:https://sotkanet.fi/sotkanet/en/haku?q=obesity. Last accessed: 27.05.21.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2018

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:10,000
Area covered:National
References:Finland National Health, Welfare and Services Survey (FinSote) - FinSote 2019 . Data available at:https://sotkanet.fi/sotkanet/en/haku?q=obesity. Last accessed: 27.05.21.
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:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:10,000
Area covered:National
References:Finland National Health, Welfare and Services Survey (FinSote) - FinSote 2019 . Data available at:https://sotkanet.fi/sotkanet/en/haku?q=obesity. Last accessed: 27.05.21.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2017

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:6732
Area covered:National
References:Murto J, Kaikkonen R, Pentala-Nikulainen O, Koskela T, Virtala E, Härkänen T, Koskenniemi T, Jussmäki T, Vartiainen E & Koskinen S. Adult Health, Well-Being and Service Research Basic results 2010-2017. Online publication: http://www.terveytemme.fi/ath/tampere-raisio/html/ath_obesity_bmi30_cr.html (Accessed 6 March 2019).
Notes:NOTE: This data is self-report.
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:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:6732
Area covered:National
References:Murto J, Kaikkonen R, Pentala-Nikulainen O, Koskela T, Virtala E, Härkänen T, Koskenniemi T, Jussmäki T, Vartiainen E & Koskinen S. Adult Health, Well-Being and Service Research Basic results 2010-2017. Online publication: http://www.terveytemme.fi/ath/tampere-raisio/html/ath_obesity_bmi30_cr.html (Accessed 6 March 2019).
Notes:NOTE: This data is self-report.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2012

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-74
Sample size:6424
Area covered:National
References:National FINRISK Study 2012 survey
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2012

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-74
Sample size:6424
Area covered:National
References:National FINRISK Study 2012 survey
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2007

Survey type:Measured
Age:30-59
Sample size:6053
Area covered:Subnational
References:Vartiainen E,Laatikainen T, Peltonen et al. Thirty-five-year trends in cardiovascular risk factors in Finland. International Journal of Epidemiology 2010;39:504–518
Notes:Trend data available from this study (1972-2007)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2007

Survey type:Measured
Age:30-59
Sample size:6053
Area covered:Subnational
References:Vartiainen E,Laatikainen T, Peltonen et al. Thirty-five-year trends in cardiovascular risk factors in Finland. International Journal of Epidemiology 2010;39:504–518
Notes:Trend data available from this study (1972-2007)
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:13-16
Sample size:86,819
Area covered:National
References:FinLapset study 2019. Data available at: https://sotkanet.fi/sotkanet/en/haku?q=obesity. Last accessed: 27.05.21.
Cutoffs:Other

Boys, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:13-16
Sample size:86,819
Area covered:National
References:FinLapset study 2019. Data available at: https://sotkanet.fi/sotkanet/en/haku?q=obesity. Last accessed: 27.05.21.
Cutoffs:Other

Girls, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:13-16
Sample size:86,819
Area covered:National
References:FinLapset study 2019. Data available at: https://sotkanet.fi/sotkanet/en/haku?q=obesity. Last accessed: 27.05.21.
Cutoffs:Other

Children, 2006

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:4016
Area covered:Subnational
References:Vuorela N, Saha MT, Salo M. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in 5 - and 12- year-old Finnish children in 1986 & 2006. Acta Paediatrica 2009;98:507-512
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by age and region

Men, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
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 and socio-economic group

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Notes:NB. Some age ranges missing due to insufficient data to display by age & income quintile
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Notes:NB. Some age ranges missing due to insufficient data to display by age & income quintile
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:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Notes:NB. Some age ranges missing due to insufficient data to display by age & income quintile
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:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20
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 socio-economic group

Men, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:2014 Socio economic - http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Notes:1st Quintile (lowest income), 5th Quintile (highest income) Please note where data = zero, there were insufficient data.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:2014 Socio economic - http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Notes:1st Quintile (lowest income), 5th Quintile (highest income) Please note where data = zero, there were insufficient data.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2000-2001

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:40-60
Sample size:6227
Area covered:National
References:Laaksonen, M., Sarlio-Lähteenkorva, S. and Lahelma, E. (2004), Multiple Dimensions of Socioeconomic Position and Obesity among Employees: The Helsinki Health Study. Obesity Research, 12: 1851–1858. doi: 10.1038/oby.2004.230
Notes:Prevalence of obesity by occupational class
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2000-2001

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:40-60
Sample size:6227
Area covered:National
References:Laaksonen, M., Sarlio-Lähteenkorva, S. and Lahelma, E. (2004), Multiple Dimensions of Socioeconomic Position and Obesity among Employees: The Helsinki Health Study. Obesity Research, 12: 1851–1858. doi: 10.1038/oby.2004.230
Notes:Prevalence of obesity by occupational class
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2000-2001

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:40-60
Sample size:6227
Area covered:National
References:Laaksonen, M., Sarlio-Lähteenkorva, S. and Lahelma, E. (2004), Multiple Dimensions of Socioeconomic Position and Obesity among Employees: The Helsinki Health Study. Obesity Research, 12: 1851–1858. doi: 10.1038/oby.2004.230
Notes:Prevalence of obesity by 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, 2000-2001

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:40-60
Sample size:6227
Area covered:National
References:Laaksonen, M., Sarlio-Lähteenkorva, S. and Lahelma, E. (2004), Multiple Dimensions of Socioeconomic Position and Obesity among Employees: The Helsinki Health Study. Obesity Research, 12: 1851–1858. doi: 10.1038/oby.2004.230
Notes:Prevalence of obesity by 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.

Boys, 2017-2018

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-15
Sample size:3140
Area covered:National
References:World Health Organization (2020). Spotlight on adolescent health and well-being - Findings from the 2017/2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey in Europe and Canada. Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/332091/9789289055000-eng.pdf. Last accessed: 20.05.21.
Notes:HBSC Family Affluence Scale (FAS) - "HBSC uses an alternative measure, the Family Affluence Scale, which asks young people about material assets such as family cars, number of foreign holidays, computers, bathrooms and dishwashers in the household, holidays and having a bedroom to oneself. The scale, which enables users to add up how many of these assets a young person has in their home compared with other adolescents in their country/region, has been shown to provide a valid indicator of relative affluence."
Definitions:HBSC Family Affluence Scale (FAS)
Cutoffs:WHO

Girls, 2017-2018

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-15
Sample size:3140
Area covered:National
References:World Health Organization (2020). Spotlight on adolescent health and well-being - Findings from the 2017/2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey in Europe and Canada. Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/332091/9789289055000-eng.pdf. Last accessed: 20.05.21.
Notes:HBSC Family Affluence Scale (FAS) - "HBSC uses an alternative measure, the Family Affluence Scale, which asks young people about material assets such as family cars, number of foreign holidays, computers, bathrooms and dishwashers in the household, holidays and having a bedroom to oneself. The scale, which enables users to add up how many of these assets a young person has in their home compared with other adolescents in their country/region, has been shown to provide a valid indicator of relative affluence."
Definitions:HBSC Family Affluence Scale (FAS)
Cutoffs:WHO

Boys, 2005

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:12-18
Sample size:6503
Area covered:National
References:Kautiainen, Susanna, Koivisto, Anna-Maija, Koivusilta, Leena, Lintonen, Tomi, Virtanen, Suvi M. and Rimpelä, Arja(2009) 'Sociodemographic factors and a secular trend for adolescent overweight in Finland', International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, 4: 4, 360 ¬ó 370
Cutoffs:IOTF

Girls, 2005

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:12-18
Sample size:6503
Area covered:National
References:Kautiainen, Susanna, Koivisto, Anna-Maija, Koivusilta, Leena, Lintonen, Tomi, Virtanen, Suvi M. and Rimpelä, Arja(2009) 'Sociodemographic factors and a secular trend for adolescent overweight in Finland', International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, 4: 4, 360 ¬ó 370
Cutoffs:IOTF

Boys, 1979

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:12-18
Sample size:4273
Area covered:National
References:Kautiainen, Susanna, Koivisto, Anna-Maija, Koivusilta, Leena, Lintonen, Tomi, Virtanen, Suvi M. and Rimpelä, Arja(2009) 'Sociodemographic factors and a secular trend for adolescent overweight in Finland', International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, 4: 4, 360 ¬ó 370
Cutoffs:IOTF

Girls, 1979

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:12-18
Sample size:4273
Area covered:National
References:Kautiainen, Susanna, Koivisto, Anna-Maija, Koivusilta, Leena, Lintonen, Tomi, Virtanen, Suvi M. and Rimpelä, Arja(2009) 'Sociodemographic factors and a secular trend for adolescent overweight in Finland', International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, 4: 4, 360 ¬ó 370
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by age and limited activity

Adults, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2014 available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/submitViewTableAction.do (last accessed 06.10.21)
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:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2014 available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/submitViewTableAction.do (last accessed 06.10.21)
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:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2014 available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/submitViewTableAction.do (last accessed 06.10.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

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

Children, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Boys, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Girls, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Children, 2010

Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Boys, 2010

Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Girls, 2010

Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Sugar consumption

Adults, 2016

References:Source: Euromonitor International
Definitions:Sugar consumption (Number of 500g sugar portions/person/month)

Estimated per capita sugar sweetened beverages intake

Adults, 2016

References:Source: Euromonitor International

Prevalence of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption

Children, 2014

Survey type:Measured
References:World Health Organization. (2017). Adolescent obesity and related behaviours: Trends and inequalities in the who european region, 2002-2014: observations from the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) WHO collaborative cross-national study (J. Inchley, D. Currie, J. Jewel, J. Breda, & V. Barnekow, Eds.). World Health Organization. Sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org
Notes:15-year-old adolescents
Definitions:Prevalence of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption (% of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption)

Prevalence of confectionery consumption

Adults, 2016

References:Source: Euromonitor International
Definitions:Prevalence of confectionery consumption (Number of 50g confectionery portions/person/month)

Prevalence of sweet/savoury snack consumption

Adults, 2016

References:Source: Euromonitor International
Definitions:Prevalence of sweet/savoury snack consumption (Number of 35g sweet/savoury snack portions/person/month)

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)

Prevalence of less than daily fruit consumption

Children, 2014

Survey type:Measured
References:Global School-based Student Health Surveys. Beal et al (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287. Sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system
Definitions:Prevalence of less-than-daily fruit consumption (% less-than-daily fruit consumption)

Prevalence of less than daily vegetable consumption

Children, 2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:12-17
References:Beal et al. (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287 sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system
Definitions:Prevalence of less-than-daily vegetable consumption (% less-than-daily vegetable consumption)

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

Oesophageal cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2135
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2135
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Breast cancer

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2135
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Colorectal cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2135
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2135
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Pancreatic cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2135
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2135
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Gallbladder cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2135
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2135
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Kidney cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2135
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2135
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Cancer of the uterus

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2135
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Raised blood pressure

Adults, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Men, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Women, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Raised cholesterol

Adults, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Men, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Women, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Raised fasting blood glucose

Men, 2014

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication).

Women, 2014

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication).

Diabetes prevalence

Adults, 2021

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

Adults, 2019

Age:20-79
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edn. Brussels,Belgium: 2019. Available at: https://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%).

Adults, 2017

References:Reproduced with kind permission of IDF, International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2017. http://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%).

Economic impact of overweight and obesity

Country comparisons

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

Policies, Interventions and Actions

Nordic Nutrition Recommendations

The Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR) is an international collaboration among health and food authorities in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The NNR2023 project has developed science advice based on the health effects of foods and response to the country-specific public health challenges and burden of diseases, food consumption patterns, as well as the country-specific environmental impacts of food consumption.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2023 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Nordic Council of Ministers
Find out more:pub.norden.org
Linked document:Download linked document

Moving Adult Programme

The program aims to reduce physical inactivity and sedentariasm at work and home. It involves both a workplace and a community intervention. This programme continues the work of the All Ages programme which ended last year.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2020 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults
Organisation: Ministry of Education and Culture
Find out more:liikkuvaaikuinen.fi
Linked document:Download linked document

Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards trans fat, other than trans fat naturally occurring in fat of animal origin

Measures to limit or virtually eliminate industrially-produced trans fatty acids in food intended for the final consumer and/or for supply to retail. Adopted by The European Commission from April 2019. (Available in multiple languages)

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2019 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The European Commission
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/36162 (last accessed 12.07.22)

Eating and Learning Together. Finnish National Nutrition Council's guidelines for school meals

In Finland a health and nutritious school meal is provided to all children. The most recent update to this provision was the 2017 update of the Finnish National Nutrition Council nutrition recommendations for school meals. The primary change being only fat free milk and sour cream are subsidised and cheese removed from the subsidy. The links are provided for further information in english and the pdf document in Finnish.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Finnish National Nutrition Council
Find out more:www.ruokavirasto.fi
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Eating and Learning Together. National Nutrition Council 2017

School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme

"Applicable since 1 August 2017, the EU school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme combines two previous schemes (the school fruit and vegetables scheme and the school milk scheme) under a single legal framework for more efficiency and an enhanced focus on health and educational. The scheme supports the distribution of products, educational measures and information measures. The scheme supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables, milk and certain milk products to schoolchildren, from nursery to secondary school. EU countries approve a list of products (in collaboration with their health and nutrition authorities) which will help achieve the schemes objective of helping children to follow a healthy diet. Priority is for fresh fruit and vegetables and for plain milk. In order to support a varied diet and/or specific nutritional needs, EU countries may also make processed fruit and vegetables such as juices and soups and certain milk products such as yoghurt and cheese, available. Additionally, under stricter conditions, milk-based drinks may be included." - EU Commission

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Organisation:European Commission
Find out more:ec.europa.eu
References:https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/key-policies/common-agricultural-policy/market-measures/school-fruit-vegetables-and-milk-scheme/school-scheme-explained_en

Feel4Diabetes

The overall aim of the Feel4Diabetes programme was "developing and implementing a community-based intervention to promote behavioural changes and creating a more supportive social and physical environment to prevent diabetes in vulnerable families across Europe". The programme was in place in Finland, Belgium, Spain, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Greece.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2016-2018
Target age group:Adults and children
Find out more:feel4diabetes-study.eu
Linked document:Download linked document
References:https://feel4diabetes-study.eu/

GNPR 2016-2017: Infant and young child nutrition - Breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling

This programme was reported by countries for the 2nd WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 module on actions related to infant and young child nutrition. Information provided by WHO GINA Programme.

Categories:Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Find out more:extranet.who.int
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en

Joy, play and doing together – Recommendations for physical activity in early childhood. 

In Finnish. Recommendations for increasing activity in young children

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Ministry of Education and Agriculture
Find out more:thl.fi
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Joy, play and doing together – Recommendations for physical activity in early childhood. 2016. Ministry of Education and Culture 2016:21.

The Consumer Ombudsman’s Guidelines on marketing to children

The Consumer Ombudsman’s Guidelines on marketing to children set out how the Finnish Consumer Protection Act should be implemented. The Act includes various restrictions on marketing to children, including: that the objective of food advertisements must be clear, must not be misleading, and must not encourage unhealthy eating practices.

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Find out more:www.kkv.fi

"Lets move it"

School-based intervention focusing on increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour in adolescents by targeting sitting time in classrooms, exploring adolescents' motivation levels and improving opportunities to undertake activities in the community, home and at school.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2015-2017
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Hankonen et al (2016)
Find out more:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Hankonen et al (2016). 'Lets move it' a school-based multilevel intervention to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour among older adolescents in vocational secondary schools: a study protocol for a clusterrandomised trial. BMC Public Health. 16(451).

REDUCE sedentary time – GET HEALTHIER! National recommendations to reduce sedentary time

National recommendations for reducing sedentary time for the whole population.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2015 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
Find out more:julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Reduce sedentary time – get healthier! National recommendations to reduce sedentary time. 2015. Brochures of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

Well-being from food and exercise - National Obesity Programme

2015-2018 national obesity strategy for Finland.

Categories:Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2015-2018
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
References:https://thl.fi/fi/tutkimus-ja-kehittaminen/tutkimukset-ja-hankkeet/kansallinen-lihavuusohjelma-20122015

European Union (EU) Action Plan on Childhood Obesity 2014-2020

EU Action plan. To contribute to halting the rise in overweight and obesity in children and young people (0-18 years) by 2020

Categories:Transnational Obesity Strategies/Policy or Action Plan
Year(s):2014-2020
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Find out more:ec.europa.eu
Linked document:Download linked document
References:EU Action Plan on Childhood Table of contents [Internet]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/files/nutrition_physical_activity/docs/childhoodobesity_actionplan_2014_2020_en.pdf ‌

Finnish nutrition recommendations 2014

The focus of this document is on a comprehensive idea of a health-promoting diet, composed of the quality, quantity and role as source of nutrients of various kinds of foods and their link to human health.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2014 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The National Nutrition Council - Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Find out more:www.ruokavirasto.fi
Linked document:Download linked document

Sugar sweetened beverage tax

The Finnish Government introduced a mandatory Sugar sweetened beverage tax in 2014 in a bid to reduce the levels of sugar being consumed through soft drinks.

Categories:Taxation/Subsidies on Food or Beverages or law relating to public health
Year(s):2014 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Finnish Government
Find out more:vm.fi

On the move' - A national strategy for physical activity promoting health and wellbeing 2020

A set of guidelines and targeted actions to increase physical activity and improve health

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2013 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
Find out more:www.julkari.fi
Linked document:Download linked document

Overcoming Obesity Programme 2013-2020

They aim to have obesity prevention in mind when making regional decisions, ensure decision makers have access to resources and health statistics, ensure environmental and functional practices promote good health, ensure healthy choices are available to everyone, ensuring obesity prevention is included in the education system and more.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2013-2020
Target age group:Children
Organisation:City of Seinäjoki
Find out more:www.seinajoki.fi
Linked document:Download linked document
References:City of Seinajoki, Overcoming Obesity Programme (2013-2020). Available from: https://www.seinajoki.fi/material/attachments/seinajokifi/sosiaalijaterveys/terveyspalvelut/asiakasjapotilasasiakirjat/Fnp1Zw3JF/OVERCOMING_OBESITY_PROGRAMME_2013-2020.pdf. [Accessed 8th Nov 2018].

Steps for Health

Web based step counting campaign to promote walking among adults.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Categories (partial):Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2012
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Folkhälsan Association
Find out more:www.halsostegen.fi

EU Regulation 1169/2011

Passed in 2011, EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from October 2011.

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2011 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:European Parliament and the Council of the European Union
Find out more:eur-lex.europa.eu
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/22917 (last accessed 28.06.22)

Evaluation of the EU school milk and fruit scheme

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

Categories:Health Effectiveness Reviews (obesity related)
Year(s):2011 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:EUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORS
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Information provided with kind permission of World Cancer Research Fund International from their NOURISHING framework www.wcrf.org/NOURISHING

Sweets Tax

The tax is currently levied on confectionery, chocolate and ice-cream, but excludes products such as biscuits, baked goods, puddings and granulated sugar.This was removed in 2017

Categories (partial):Taxation/Subsidies on Food or Beverages or law relating to public health
Year(s):2010-2017
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Finance
Find out more:vm.fi

Single versus multiple-family intervention in childhood overweigh at Finnmark Activity School: a randomised trial

A two arm randomised controlled trial comparing a new comprehensive lifestyle programme performed in groups of families with overweight (included obese) children with a more conventional single-family programme. Includes 97 overweight and obese children aged 6–12?years with body mass index (BMI) corresponding to cut-off point ?27.5 in adults were included

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2009-2011
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Paediatric Department at Hammerfest Hospital in collaboration with the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN) and the University of Tromsø
Find out more:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Kokkvoll, A,Grimsgaard, S, Ødegaard,R, Flægstad,T. and Njølstad, I. 2014. Single versus multiple-family intervention in childhood overweight—Finnmark Activity School: a randomised trial. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 99(3). pp. 225–231.

Healthy Stadia Network

"At Healthy Stadia, we encourage professional and amateur sports clubs, league operators, national and international governing bodies of sport to develop their stadia and sports facilities as health-promoting environments. We do this by supporting them to adopt a range of policies and practices in support of the health of their fans, their staff and the surrounding community. The definition we give to Healthy Stadia is: Healthy Stadia are… those who promote the health of visitors, fans, players, employees and the surrounding community… places where people can go to have a positive, healthy experience playing or watching sport."

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2008 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
References:https://healthystadia.eu/healthy-stadia-concept/

Unhealthy commercial marketing

"In June 2008, the government adopted a resolution on the development of guidelines for health-enhancing physical activity and nutrition. The main targets include reducing the prevalence of obesity and the intake of saturated fat, salt and sugar and increasing the intake of vegetables and fruit (particularly berries). As a part of this resolution, the government has set special development priorities for children, young people and families. According to these priorities, “Food marketed to children and young people should not be contradictory with health promotion message; if necessary, the state will create regulatory systems alongside corporate self-regulation that restrict marketing of unhealthy foods to children and young people and ensure efficient monitoring of the regulations” - WHO

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2008 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Finish Government
References:https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/191125/e96859.pdf

EU health and nutrient claims regulation

Regulation nº 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified health and nutrient claims. The European Commission approves claims provided they are based on scientific evidence and accessible consumers. The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims. Nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile.

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2006 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:European Commission
Linked document:Download linked document
References:https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32006R1924

Nutrition-Friendly Schools Initiative (NFSI)

"The NFSI is a school-based programme that addresses the double burden of malnutrition –undernutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight/obesity. It is a tool for developing a school environment that promotes the nutritional well-being of school-age children and increases their physical activity levels."

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2006 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:World Health Organization
Linked document:Download linked document
References:https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/default/files/nutrition_physical_activity/docs/implementation_report_a1c_en.pdf

Recommendations for physical activity in early childhood education (Varhaiskasvatuksen liikunnan suositukset)

Physical activity recommendations for children - document in Finnish

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2005 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Information provided with kind permission of HEPA Europe (European network for the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity): http://data.euro.who.int/PhysicalActivity/?TabID=107126

The Waist Club

Web based health promotion program for men. Twenty weeks duration with information about nutrition, exercise, motivation and how to set goals.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Categories (partial):Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Evidence of NCD strategy
Year(s):2005 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Folkhalsan (NGO)
Find out more:www.folkhalsan.fi

"Attention to weight!"

Community-based weight management programme in the North Karelia region of Finland.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2003-2008
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:North-Karelian Public Health Centre
Linked document:Download linked document

Programme for the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes in Finland

A strategy which includes arrangements for systematic management of obesity, lifestyle modifications, physical activity recommendations etc..

Categories (partial):Evidence of NCD strategy
Year(s):2003-2010
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Finnish Diabetes Association
Linked document:Download linked document

The Heart Symbol

Product labelling that tells the costumer which products within a food group are better choices regarding fat and sodium content.

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2000 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:NGOs; Finnish Heart Association and Finnish Diabetes Association
Find out more:www.sydanmerkki.fi

Basic Education Act (628/1998) - Law on school lunch provisions

Section 31 of the Basic Education Act states that pupils attending school must be provided with a properly organised and supervised, balanced meal free of charge every school day. These school lunch provisions must meet certain nutritional standards.

Categories:Evidence of School Food Regulations
Year(s):1998 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Government
Linked document:Download linked document

Salt labelling legislation

National legislation requires theuse of warning labels on high-salt food. The legislation is applied to all the food categories that make a substantial contribution to the salt intake of the Finnish population.

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):1993 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Trade and Industry
Find out more:Unable to locate further details if you have access please email us at obesity@worldobesity.org

Warning labels on high–salt food

The packaging of the following foods must be labeled "strongly salty" or "contains a lot of salt" if the food's salt content is above a set level.

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):1993 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Government
Find out more:www.finlex.fi

Finnish National Nutrition Council

The Finnish National Nutrition Council was established in 1954 to monitor the health and nutritional status of the Finnish population.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):1954 (ongoing)
Find out more:www.ruokavirasto.fi

Current obesity care recommendations

The recommendation applies to children, young people and adults. Its aim is to promote the identification, prevention and treatment of obesity and related diseases in Finland. The recommendation is intended for healthcare professionals from primary health care to specialist care, as well as anyone who can contribute to a lifestyle that supports health and weight management.

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Organisation:Working group set up by the Duodecim of the Finnish Medical Association, the Finnish Obesity Researchers' Association and the Finnish Pediatric Association
References:https://www.kaypahoito.fi/hoi50124

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

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

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

NCD targets for Finland

NCD targets for Finland include the aim of stopping the increasing in obesity rates by the year 2025

Categories:Evidence of NCD strategy
References:https://extranet.who.int/ncdccs/Data/FIN_Finland_NCD_targets_2019.pdf

Physical Activity Guidelines

The Finnish national recommendations on physical activity for health are based on the United States Department of Health and Human Services Physical activity guidelines for Americans (2), addressing young people (3) (including early childhood education and school-aged children (4)), adults (5), and older adults (6). The cut-off point used in Finland for adults reaching the recommended physical activity levels is in line with WHO’s Global recommendations on physical activity for health (2010)

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:WHO
Find out more:www.euro.who.int
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Anon (n.d.) FINLAND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FACTSHEET. [Online]. Available from: https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/288107/FINLAND-Physical-Activity-Factsheet.pdf?ua=1 [Accessed: 28 July 2020x]. ‌

Smart Family

This programme was developed to support lifestyle counselling for families with children and is based on international and national recommendations. The key aim is to promote healthy lifestyle choices and give families a greater feeling of control.

Categories:Evidence of NCD strategy
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Smart Family is part of the umbrella project 'One Life' organised by the Finnish Brain Association, the Finnish Diabetes Association and the Finnish Heart Association.
Find out more:www.yksielama.fi

No actions could be found for the above criteria.

Contextual factors

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

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

Labelling

Is there mandatory nutrition labelling?Present
Front-of-package labelling?Present-(voluntary)
Back-of-pack nutrition declaration?Present
Color coding?Absent
Warning label?Present

Regulation and marketing

Are there fiscal policies on unhealthy products?Present
Tax on unhealthy foods?Present
Tax on unhealthy drinks?Present
Are there fiscal policies on healthy products?Absent
Subsidy on fruits?Absent
Subsidy on vegetables?Absent
Subsidy on other healthy products?Absent
Mandatory limit or ban of trans fat (all settings)?Present
Mandatory limit of trans fats in place (all settings)? Present
Ban on trans-fats or phos in place (all settings)? Absent
Are there any mandatory policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Present
Mandatory restriction on broadcast media?Present
Mandatory restriction on non-broadcast media?Absent
Voluntary policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Absent
Are there mandatory standards for food in schools?Present
Are there any mandatory nutrient limits in any manufactured food products?Absent
Nutrition standards for public sector procurement?Present

Political will and support

National obesity strategy or nutrition and physical activity national strategy?Present
National obesity strategy?Present
National childhood obesity strategy?Absent
Comprehensive nutrition strategy?Present
Comprehensive physical activity strategy?Present
Evidence-based dietary guidelines and/or RDAs?Present
National target(s) on reducing obesity?Absent
Guidelines/policy on obesity treatment?Present
Promotion of breastfeeding?Present

Monitoring and surveillance

Monitoring of the prevalence and incidence for the main obesity-related NCDs and risk factors?Present
Within 5 years?Present

Governance and resource

Multi-sectoral national co-ordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)?Present

Key

Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown

Last updated June 26, 2023

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Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions

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