Malawi
Low income
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Economic impact
- Policies
- Contextual factors
Loading data – please wait …
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 *3/11This is a ‘risk score’ for each country’s likelihood of having or acquiring a major childhood obesity problem during the 2020s, taking account of current prevalence levels and risk for future obesity (based on stunting among infants, maternal obesity, maternal smoking, and breastfeeding rates).
Obesity prevalence
Trends over time
Download report card
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
Oesophageal cancer
Breast cancer
Colorectal cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Gallbladder cancer
Kidney cancer
Cancer of the uterus
Raised blood pressure
Raised cholesterol
Raised fasting blood glucose
Diabetes prevalence
Ovarian Cancer
Leukemia
Liver & bile duct cancer
Mulitple Myeloma
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
Thyroid Cancer
Download report card
Economic impact
Contextual factors
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2017
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 18-69 |
Sample size: | 4206 |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Malawi National STEPwise Survey for Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors 2017 Report. https://extranet.who.int/ncdsmicrodata/index.php/catalog/629/download/5770 (Accessed 12.10.21) |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Adults, 2016
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 18+ |
Sample size: | 28891 |
Area covered: | Regional |
References: | Price AJ, Crampin AC, Amberbir A et al. Prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, and cascade of care in sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional, population-based study in rural and urban Malawi.Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2018 Jan 19. pii: S2213-8587(17)30432-1. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(17)30432-1. [Epub ahead of print] |
Notes: | Karonga District and Lilongwe city. 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 08.10.20)' |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Women, 2015-2016
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 15-49 |
Sample size: | 7180 |
Area covered: | National |
References: | National Statistical Office - NSO/Malawi and ICF. 2017. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16. Zomba, Malawi: NSO and ICF. |
Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Women, 2010
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 15-49 |
Sample size: | 6684 |
Area covered: | National |
References: | National Statistical Office (NSO) and ICF Macro. 2011. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2010. Zomba, Malawi, and Calverton, Maryland, USA: NSO and ICF Macro. |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Adults, 2009
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 25-64 |
Sample size: | 4845 |
Area covered: | National |
References: | NCD STEPS 2009. Msyamboza KP, Kathyola D, Dzowela T. Anthropometric measurements and prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in adult Malawians: nationwide population based NCD STEPS survey. Pan African Medical Journal. 2013; 15:108. doi:10.11604/pamj.2013.15.108.2622 http://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/15/108/full/ accessed 26th Nov 2013 |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Women, 2004
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 15-49 |
Sample size: | 9280 |
Area covered: | National |
References: | National Statistical Office - NSO/Malawi and ORC Macro. 2005. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2004. Calverton, Maryland: NSO/Malawi and ORC Macro. |
Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Women, 2000
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 15-49 |
Sample size: | 6489 |
References: | SCN (2004). 5th Report on the World Nutrition Situation. Nutrition for Improved Development Outcomes. Appendix 11 |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Women, 1992
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 15-49 |
Sample size: | 2323 |
References: | Martorell R, Khan LK, Hughes ML, Grummer Strawn LM. Obesity in women from developing countries. EJCN (2000) 54;247-252 |
Notes: | The data from this paper was sourced from the Demographic Health Survey Programme https://dhsprogram.com/ Central Statistical Office and Macro International. Calverton, Maryland, USA |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Girls, 2015-2016
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 15-19 |
Sample size: | 1294 |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Benedict, Rukundo K., Allison Schmale, and Sorrel Namaste. 2018. Adolescent Nutrition 2000-2017: DHS Data on Adolescents Age 15-19. DHS Comparative Report No. 47. Rockville, Maryland, USA: ICF. National Statistical Office - NSO/Malawi and ICF. 2017. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16. Zomba, Malawi: NSO and ICF. |
Definitions: | BMI for age: between +1 SD and +2 SD is overweight and greater than +2 SD is obesity |
Cutoffs: | WHO 2007 |
Children, 2009
Survey type: | Self-reported |
Age: | 13-15 |
Sample size: | 2359 |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), available at https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/Malawi_2009_FS.pdf?ua=1 (last accessed 24.11.20) |
Cutoffs: | WHO |
Infants, 2020
Age: | 0-5 |
Sample size: | 2142 |
References: | SMART: Report of the Round 7 Nutrition SMART Surveys Conducted in the Flood- and Drought- Prone Livelihood Zones of Malawi |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2019
Age: | 0-5 |
Sample size: | 3592 |
References: | SMART: Report of the Seven Nutrition Surveys Conducted in Flood Affected Livelihood Zones of Malawi - Assessment Period June - July 2019 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2019-2020
Age: | 0-5 |
Sample size: | 14990 |
References: | MICS: Malawi Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019-20, Survey Findings Report. Zomba, Malawi: National Statistical Office |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Girls, 2019-2020
Age: | 0-5 |
Sample size: | 14991 |
References: | MICS: Malawi Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019-20, Survey Findings Report. Zomba, Malawi: National Statistical Office |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2018
Age: | 0-5 |
Sample size: | 3205 |
References: | SMART: Report of the Seven Nutrition Surveys Conducted in Flood Affected Livelihood Zones of Malawi - Assessment Period January - February 2018 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2017
Age: | 0-5 |
Sample size: | 3494 |
References: | SMART: Report of the Seven Nutrition Surveys Conducted in Flood Affected Livelihood Zones of Malawi - Assessment Period May 2017 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2016
Age: | 0-5 |
Sample size: | 3620 |
References: | SMART: Report of the Seven Nutrition Surveys Conducted in Flood Affected Livelihood Zones of Malawi - Assessment Period November - December 2016 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2015-2016
Age: | 0-5 |
Sample size: | 1193131264 |
References: | Other: Malawi Micronutrient Survey 2015-16. Atlanta, GA, USA: NSO, CHSU, CDC and Emory University |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2013-2014
Age: | 0-5 |
Sample size: | 18204 |
References: | MICS: Malawi MDG endline survey 2014. Final Report. Zomba, Malawi: National Statistical Office, 2014. |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2010
Age: | 0-5 |
Sample size: | 4939 |
References: | DHS: Malawi demographic and health survey 2010. Demographic and Health Surveys. Zomba, Malawi, and Calverton, Maryland, USA: NSO and ICF Macro. 2011 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2009
Age: | 0-5 |
References: | Other: The national micronutrient survey 2009. Lilongwe, Malawi: Ministry of Health, UNICEF, Irish Aid and CDC, 2011. |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2006
Age: | 0-5 |
Sample size: | 21420 |
References: | MICS: Malawi multiple indicator cluster survey 2006, Final report. Lilongwe, Malawi: National Statistical Office and UNICEF, 2008. |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2004-2005
Age: | 0-5 |
Sample size: | 8811 |
References: | DHS: Malawi demographic and health survey 2004. Demographic and Health Surveys. Calverton, Maryland: NSO and ORC Macro, 2005 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2002
Age: | 0-5 |
Sample size: | 1628907 |
References: | CWIQ: Malawi 2002 Core Welfare Indicators Questionnaire Survey |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2000
Age: | 0-5 |
Sample size: | 10276 |
References: | DHS: Malawi demographic and health survey 2000. Demographic and Health Surveys. Zomba, Malawi and Calverton, Maryland, USA: National Statistical Office and ORC Macro, 2001 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 1997-1998
Age: | 0-5 |
Sample size: | 803937 |
References: | LSMS: A relative profile of poverty in Malawi, 1998: A quintile-based poverty analysis of the Malawi integrated household survey, 1997-98. Poverty Monitoring System. |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 1992
Age: | 0-5 |
Sample size: | 3290 |
References: | DHS: Malawi demographic and health survey 1992. Demographic and Health Surveys. National Statistics Office. Zomba, Malawi, 1993 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
% Adults living with obesity in Malawi 1992-2015
Survey type: | Measured |
References: | 1992: Martorell R, Khan LK, Hughes ML, Grummer Strawn LM. Obesity in women from developing countries. EJCN (2000) 54;247-252 2000: SCN (2004). 5th Report on the World Nutrition Situation. Nutrition for Improved Development Outcomes. Appendix 11 2004: National Statistical Office - NSO/Malawi and ORC Macro. 2005. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2004. Calverton, Maryland: NSO/Malawi and ORC Macro. 2010: National Statistical Office (NSO) and ICF Macro. 2011. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2010. Zomba, Malawi, and Calverton, Maryland, USA: NSO and ICF Macro. 2015: National Statistical Office - NSO/Malawi and ICF. 2017. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16. Zomba, Malawi: NSO and ICF. |
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 in Malawi 1992-2015
Survey type: | Measured |
References: | 1992: Martorell R, Khan LK, Hughes ML, Grummer Strawn LM. Obesity in women from developing countries. EJCN (2000) 54;247-252 2000: SCN (2004). 5th Report on the World Nutrition Situation. Nutrition for Improved Development Outcomes. Appendix 11 2004: National Statistical Office - NSO/Malawi and ORC Macro. 2005. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2004. Calverton, Maryland: NSO/Malawi and ORC Macro. 2010: National Statistical Office (NSO) and ICF Macro. 2011. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2010. Zomba, Malawi, and Calverton, Maryland, USA: NSO and ICF Macro. 2015: National Statistical Office - NSO/Malawi and ICF. 2017. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16. Zomba, Malawi: NSO and ICF. |
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
Women, 2015-2016
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 15-49 |
Sample size: | 7180 |
Area covered: | National |
References: | National Statistical Office - NSO/Malawi and ICF. 2017. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16. Zomba, Malawi: NSO and ICF. |
Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Women, 2010
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 15-49 |
Sample size: | 6684 |
Area covered: | National |
References: | National Statistical Office (NSO) and ICF Macro. 2011. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2010. Zomba, Malawi, and Calverton, Maryland, USA: NSO and ICF Macro. |
Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Girls, 2015-2016
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 15-19 |
Sample size: | 1294 |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Benedict, Rukundo K., Allison Schmale, and Sorrel Namaste. 2018. Adolescent Nutrition 2000-2017: DHS Data on Adolescents Age 15-19. DHS Comparative Report No. 47. Rockville, Maryland, USA: ICF. National Statistical Office - NSO/Malawi and ICF. 2017. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16. Zomba, Malawi: NSO and ICF. |
Definitions: | BMI for age: between +1 SD and +2 SD is overweight and greater than +2 SD is obesity |
Cutoffs: | WHO 2007 |
Infants, 2019-2020
Sample size: | 14990 |
References: | MICS: Malawi Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019-20, Survey Findings Report. Zomba, Malawi: National Statistical Office |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2015-2016
Sample size: | 5772 |
References: | DHS: Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16. Zomba, Malawi, and Rockville, Maryland, USA. NSO and ICF. |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2013-2014
Sample size: | 18204 |
References: | MICS: Malawi MDG endline survey 2014. Final Report. Zomba, Malawi: National Statistical Office, 2014. |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2010
Sample size: | 4939 |
References: | DHS: Malawi demographic and health survey 2010. Demographic and Health Surveys. Zomba, Malawi, and Calverton, Maryland, USA: NSO and ICF Macro. 2011 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2006
Sample size: | 21420 |
References: | MICS: Malawi multiple indicator cluster survey 2006, Final report. Lilongwe, Malawi: National Statistical Office and UNICEF, 2008. |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2004-2005
Sample size: | 8811 |
References: | DHS: Malawi demographic and health survey 2004. Demographic and Health Surveys. Calverton, Maryland: NSO and ORC Macro, 2005 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2000
Sample size: | 10276 |
References: | DHS: Malawi demographic and health survey 2000. Demographic and Health Surveys. Zomba, Malawi and Calverton, Maryland, USA: National Statistical Office and ORC Macro, 2001 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 1992
Sample size: | 3290 |
References: | DHS: Malawi demographic and health survey 1992. Demographic and Health Surveys. National Statistics Office. Zomba, Malawi, 1993 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Overweight/obesity by age
Adults, 2017
Survey type: | Measured |
Sample size: | 4206 |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Malawi National STEPwise Survey for Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors 2017 Report. https://extranet.who.int/ncdsmicrodata/index.php/catalog/629/download/5770 (Accessed 12.10.21) |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Women, 2015-2016
Survey type: | Measured |
Sample size: | 7180 |
Area covered: | National (women 15-49 only) |
References: | National Statistical Office - NSO/Malawi and ICF. 2017. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16. Zomba, Malawi: NSO and ICF. |
Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Overweight/obesity by region
Adults, 2017
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 18-69 |
Sample size: | 4206 |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Malawi National STEPwise Survey for Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors 2017 Report. https://extranet.who.int/ncdsmicrodata/index.php/catalog/629/download/5770 (Accessed 12.10.21) |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Men, 2016
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 18+ |
Sample size: | 28891 |
Area covered: | Regional |
References: | Price AJ, Crampin AC, Amberbir A et al. Prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, and cascade of care in sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional, population-based study in rural and urban Malawi.Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2018 Jan 19. pii: S2213-8587(17)30432-1. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(17)30432-1. [Epub ahead of print] |
Notes: | Karonga District and Lilongwe city |
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: | 18+ |
Sample size: | 28891 |
Area covered: | Regional |
References: | Price AJ, Crampin AC, Amberbir A et al. Prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, and cascade of care in sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional, population-based study in rural and urban Malawi.Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2018 Jan 19. pii: S2213-8587(17)30432-1. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(17)30432-1. [Epub ahead of print] |
Notes: | Karonga District and Lilongwe city |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Women, 2015-2016
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 15-49 |
Sample size: | 7180 |
Area covered: | National (women 15-49 only) |
References: | National Statistical Office - NSO/Malawi and ICF. 2017. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16. Zomba, Malawi: NSO and ICF. |
Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Women, 2015-2016
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 15-49 |
Sample size: | 7180 |
Area covered: | National (women 15-49 only) |
References: | National Statistical Office - NSO/Malawi and ICF. 2017. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16. Zomba, Malawi: NSO and ICF. |
Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Women, 2010
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 15-49 |
Sample size: | 6684 |
Area covered: | National |
References: | National Statistical Office - NSO/Malawi and ICF Macro. 2011. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2010. Zomba, Malawi: NSO/Malawi and ICF Macro. |
Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Infants, 2019-2020
Sample size: | 14990 |
References: | MICS: Malawi Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019-20, Survey Findings Report. Zomba, Malawi: National Statistical Office |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2015-2016
Sample size: | 1193131264 |
References: | Other: Malawi Micronutrient Survey 2015-16. Atlanta, GA, USA: NSO, CHSU, CDC and Emory University |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2013-2014
Sample size: | 18204 |
References: | MICS: Malawi MDG endline survey 2014. Final Report. Zomba, Malawi: National Statistical Office, 2014. |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2010
Sample size: | 4939 |
References: | DHS: Malawi demographic and health survey 2010. Demographic and Health Surveys. Zomba, Malawi, and Calverton, Maryland, USA: NSO and ICF Macro. 2011 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2009
References: | Other: The national micronutrient survey 2009. Lilongwe, Malawi: Ministry of Health, UNICEF, Irish Aid and CDC, 2011. |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2006
Sample size: | 21420 |
References: | MICS: Malawi multiple indicator cluster survey 2006, Final report. Lilongwe, Malawi: National Statistical Office and UNICEF, 2008. |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2004-2005
Sample size: | 8811 |
References: | DHS: Malawi demographic and health survey 2004. Demographic and Health Surveys. Calverton, Maryland: NSO and ORC Macro, 2005 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2002
Sample size: | 1628907 |
References: | CWIQ: Malawi 2002 Core Welfare Indicators Questionnaire Survey |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2000
Sample size: | 10276 |
References: | DHS: Malawi demographic and health survey 2000. Demographic and Health Surveys. Zomba, Malawi and Calverton, Maryland, USA: National Statistical Office and ORC Macro, 2001 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 1997-1998
Sample size: | 803937 |
References: | LSMS: A relative profile of poverty in Malawi, 1998: A quintile-based poverty analysis of the Malawi integrated household survey, 1997-98. Poverty Monitoring System. |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 1992
Sample size: | 3290 |
References: | DHS: Malawi demographic and health survey 1992. Demographic and Health Surveys. National Statistics Office. Zomba, Malawi, 1993 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group
Adults, 2017
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 18-69 |
Sample size: | 4206 |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Malawi National STEPwise Survey for Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors 2017 Report. https://extranet.who.int/ncdsmicrodata/index.php/catalog/629/download/5770 (Accessed 12.10.21) |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Women, 2015-2016
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 15-49 |
Sample size: | 7180 |
Area covered: | National (women 15-49 only) |
References: | National Statistical Office - NSO/Malawi and ICF. 2017. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16. Zomba, Malawi: NSO and ICF. |
Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Women, 2010
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 15-49 |
Sample size: | 6684 |
Area covered: | National |
References: | National Statistical Office - NSO/Malawi and ICF Macro. 2011. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2010. Zomba, Malawi: NSO/Malawi and ICF Macro. |
Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Infants, 2019-2020
Sample size: | 14990 |
References: | MICS: Malawi Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019-20, Survey Findings Report. Zomba, Malawi: National Statistical Office |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2015-2016
Sample size: | 1193131264 |
References: | Other: Malawi Micronutrient Survey 2015-16. Atlanta, GA, USA: NSO, CHSU, CDC and Emory University |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2013-2014
Sample size: | 18204 |
References: | MICS: Malawi MDG endline survey 2014. Final Report. Zomba, Malawi: National Statistical Office, 2014. |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2010
Sample size: | 4939 |
References: | DHS: Malawi demographic and health survey 2010. Demographic and Health Surveys. Zomba, Malawi, and Calverton, Maryland, USA: NSO and ICF Macro. 2011 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2006
Sample size: | 21420 |
References: | MICS: Malawi multiple indicator cluster survey 2006, Final report. Lilongwe, Malawi: National Statistical Office and UNICEF, 2008. |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2004-2005
Sample size: | 8811 |
References: | DHS: Malawi demographic and health survey 2004. Demographic and Health Surveys. Calverton, Maryland: NSO and ORC Macro, 2005 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 2000
Sample size: | 10276 |
References: | DHS: Malawi demographic and health survey 2000. Demographic and Health Surveys. Zomba, Malawi and Calverton, Maryland, USA: National Statistical Office and ORC Macro, 2001 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Infants, 1992
Sample size: | 3290 |
References: | DHS: Malawi demographic and health survey 1992. Demographic and Health Surveys. National Statistics Office. Zomba, Malawi, 1993 |
Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
Definitions: | =>+2SD |
Insufficient physical activity
Adults, 2022
Survey type: | Self-reported |
Age: | 18+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | WHO (2024). Prevalence of insufficient physical activity among adults aged 18-years age-standardized estimate in 2022. Available at https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/prevalence-of-insufficient-physical-activity-among-adults-aged-18-years-(age-standardized-estimate)-(-) |
Definitions: | Percent of population attaining less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or less than 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or equivalent. |
Men, 2022
Survey type: | Self-reported |
Age: | 18+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | WHO (2024). Prevalence of insufficient physical activity among adults aged 18-years age-standardized estimate in 2022. Available at https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/prevalence-of-insufficient-physical-activity-among-adults-aged-18-years-(age-standardized-estimate)-(-) |
Definitions: | Percent of population attaining less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or less than 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or equivalent. |
Women, 2022
Survey type: | Self-reported |
Age: | 18+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | WHO (2024). Prevalence of insufficient physical activity among adults aged 18-years age-standardized estimate in 2022. Available at https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/prevalence-of-insufficient-physical-activity-among-adults-aged-18-years-(age-standardized-estimate)-(-) |
Definitions: | Percent of population attaining less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or less than 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or equivalent. |
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) |
Prevalence of less than daily fruit consumption
Children, 2009-2015
Survey type: | Measured |
Age: | 12-17 |
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, 2009-2015
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 |
% Infants exclusively breastfed 0-5 months
Infants, 2010-2023
References: | Malawi Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019-20, Survey Findings Report. Zomba, Malawi: National Statistical Office |
Notes: | Full details are available. Original citation United Nations Children’s Fund, Division of Data, Analysis, Planning and Monitoring (2023). Global UNICEF Global Databases: Infant and Young Child Feeding: Exclusive breastfeeding, New York, October 2023. |
Oesophageal cancer
Men, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Indicence per 100,000 |
Women, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Indicence per 100,000 |
Men, 2020-2022
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 10.01.2229 |
Definitions: | Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000 |
Women, 2020-2022
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 10.01.2229 |
Definitions: | Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000 |
Breast cancer
Women, 2022
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Colorectal cancer
Men, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Women, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Men, 2020-2022
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 10.01.2229 |
Definitions: | Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000 |
Women, 2020-2022
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 10.01.2229 |
Definitions: | Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000 |
Pancreatic cancer
Men, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Women, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Men, 2020-2022
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 10.01.2229 |
Definitions: | Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000 |
Women, 2020-2022
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 10.01.2229 |
Definitions: | Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000 |
Gallbladder cancer
Men, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Indicence per 100,000 |
Women, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Indicence per 100,000 |
Men, 2020-2022
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 10.01.2229 |
Definitions: | Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000 |
Women, 2020-2022
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 10.01.2229 |
Definitions: | Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000 |
Kidney cancer
Men, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Women, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Men, 2020-2022
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 10.01.2229 |
Definitions: | Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000 |
Women, 2020-2022
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 10.01.2229 |
Definitions: | Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000 |
Cancer of the uterus
Women, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Women, 2020-2022
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 10.01.2229 |
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 (%). |
Ovarian Cancer
Women, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Leukemia
Men, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Women, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Leukemia
Men, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Women, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Liver and intrahepatic bile duct Cancer
Men, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Women, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Multiple Myeloma
Men, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Indicence per 100,000 |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Women, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Indicence per 100,000 |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
Men, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Women, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². |
Thyroid Cancer
Men, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Women, 2022
Age: | 20+ |
Area covered: | National |
References: | Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024).Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed [16.07.24] |
Definitions: | Incidence per 100,000 |
Economic impact of overweight and obesity
Policies, Interventions and Actions
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? | Absent |
Front-of-package labelling? | Absent |
Back-of-pack nutrition declaration? | Absent |
Color coding? | Absent |
Warning label? | Absent |
Regulation and marketing
Are there fiscal policies on unhealthy products? | Absent |
Tax on unhealthy foods? | Absent |
Tax on unhealthy drinks? | Absent |
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)? | Absent |
Mandatory limit of trans fats in place (all settings)? | Absent |
Ban on trans-fats or phos in place (all settings)? | Absent |
Are there any mandatory policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children? | Absent |
Mandatory restriction on broadcast media? | Absent |
Mandatory restriction on non-broadcast media? | Absent |
Voluntary policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children? | Absent |
Are there mandatory standards for food in schools? | Absent |
Are there any mandatory nutrient limits in any manufactured food products? | Absent |
Nutrition standards for public sector procurement? | Absent |
Political will and support
National obesity strategy or nutrition and physical activity national strategy? | Absent |
National obesity strategy? | Absent |
National childhood obesity strategy? | Absent |
Comprehensive nutrition strategy? | Present |
Comprehensive physical activity strategy? | Absent |
Evidence-based dietary guidelines and/or RDAs? | Absent |
National target(s) on reducing obesity? | Absent |
Guidelines/policy on obesity treatment? | Absent |
Promotion of breastfeeding? | Present |
Monitoring and surveillance
Monitoring of the prevalence and incidence for the main obesity-related NCDs and risk factors? | Present |
Within 5 years? | Present |
Governance and resource
Multi-sectoral national co-ordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)? | Unknown |
Key
Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown
Last updated September 13, 2022
Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions