Morocco
Lower-middle income
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Contextual factors
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National obesity risk *7.5/10This is a composite ‘obesity risk’ score (out of 10, the highest risk) based on obesity prevalence, rate of increase, likelihood of meeting the 2025 target, treatment indicator and childhood stunting levels.Childhood obesity risk *7/11This 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).
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Population breakdowns
Drivers
Comorbidities
Economic impact
Policies
Contextual factors
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2017-2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 5261 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | STEPS Morocco 2017/18. Enquête Nationale sur les Facteurs de Risque communs des Maladies Non Transmissibles 2017 – 2018 : Rapport. https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/STEPS-REPORT-2017-2018-Morocco-final.pdf?ua=1 (accessed 0.5.11.19) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 2891 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Rhazi K El, Nejjari C, Zidouh A et al. Prevalence of obesity and associated sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition 2010:14(1)160-167 |
| Notes: | NOTE: 2017 data available, sample size (240). Barich et al. 2014. Association of Obesity and Socioeconomic Status among Women of Childbearing Age Living in Urban Area of Morocco. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2018. Doi: doi.org/10.1155/2018/6043042 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2003-2004
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 15818 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Ministère de la Santé/Maroc, ORC Macro, and Ligue des États Arabes. 2005. Enquête sur la Population et la Santé Familiale (EPSF) 2003-2004. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Ministère de la Santé/Maroc and ORC Macro.(In French) |
| Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2000
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 1797 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Personal Communication from Morocco Minister of Health. National Survey carried out in 2000. Details in press for Journal of Hypertension (Arpil 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, 1998-1999
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 14028 |
| References: | Benjelloun S. Nutrition transition in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition. 2002;5(1A):135-140 |
| 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: | 2850 |
| Area covered: | National |
| 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. | |
Adults, 1984-1985
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 41526 |
| References: | Benjelloun S. Nutrition transition in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition. 2002;5(1A):135-140 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2016
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 13-17 |
| Sample size: | 6745 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), available at https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/Morocco_2016_GSHS_FS.pdf?ua=1 (last accessed 14.12.20) |
| Notes: | WHO cutoffs. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 8-15 |
| Sample size: | 1418 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Sebbani et al. 2013. Prevalence of obesity and overweight among children in primary schools in Marrakech, Morocco. Rev Epidemiol Sante Publique. 61(6). pp. 545-9. [Article in French]. |
| Notes: | IOTF cut-offs used |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2010
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 13-15 |
| Sample size: | 2924 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Global School-based Student Health Survey Factsheet, available at https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/Morocco_2010_GSHS_FS.pdf?ua=1 (last accessed 14.12.20) |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
0-5 years, 2019-2020
| Age: | 0-5 |
| References: | NNS: ENQUETE NATIONALE SUR LA NUTRITION (ENN 2019-2020) |
| 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 |
0-5 years, 2017-2018
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 5936 |
| References: | PAPFAM: Enquête Nationale sur la Population et la Santé Familiale (ENPSF) -2017-2018 |
| 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 |
0-5 years, 2010-2011
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 6773 |
| References: | PAPFAM: Enquête nationale sur la population et la santé familiale (ENPSF) 2010-2011. Rabat, Royaume de Maroc: Ministère de la Santé, 2012 |
| 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 |
0-5 years, 2003-2004
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 5446 |
| References: | DHS: Enquête dur la population et la santé familiale (EPSF) 2003-2004. Demographic and Health Surveys. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Ministère de la Santé et 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 |
0-5 years, 1996-1997
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 3603 |
| References: | PAPFAM: Enquête de santé materno-infantil sur la population Marocaine 1996-97. Pan Arab project for child development (PAPCHILD). Rabat, Maroc, 2000 |
| 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 |
0-5 years, 1992
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 4575 |
| References: | DHS: Enquête nationale sur la population et la santé (ENPS-II) 1992. Demographic and Health Surveys. Rabat, Royaume du Maroc, 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 |
0-5 years, 1987
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 5384 |
| References: | DHS: Enquête national sur la planification familiale, la fécondité et la santé de la population au Maroc (ENPS) 1987. Demographic and Health Surveys. Ministère de la Santé Publique. Rabat, Maroc, 1989 |
| 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 Morocco 1984-2017
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1984, 1998: Benjelloun S. Nutrition transition in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition. 2002;5(1A):135-140 2000: Personal Communication from Morocco Minister of Health. National Survey carried out in 2000. Details in press for Journal of Hypertension (Arpil 03) 2008: Rhazi K El, Nejjari C, Zidouh A et al. Prevalence of obesity and associated sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition 2010:14(1)160-167 2017: STEPS Morocco 2017/18. Enquête Nationale sur les Facteurs de Risque communs des Maladies Non Transmissibles 2017 – 2018 : Rapport. https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/STEPS-REPORT-2017-2018-Morocco-final.pdf?ua=1 (accessed 0.5.11.19) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1984, 1998: Benjelloun S. Nutrition transition in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition. 2002;5(1A):135-140 2000: Personal Communication from Morocco Minister of Health. National Survey carried out in 2000. Details in press for Journal of Hypertension (Arpil 03) 2008: Rhazi K El, Nejjari C, Zidouh A et al. Prevalence of obesity and associated sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition 2010:14(1)160-167 2017: STEPS Morocco 2017/18. Enquête Nationale sur les Facteurs de Risque communs des Maladies Non Transmissibles 2017 – 2018 : Rapport. https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/STEPS-REPORT-2017-2018-Morocco-final.pdf?ua=1 (accessed 0.5.11.19) |
| 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 Morocco 1984-2017
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1984, 1998: Benjelloun S. Nutrition transition in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition. 2002;5(1A):135-140 2000: Personal Communication from Morocco Minister of Health. National Survey carried out in 2000. Details in press for Journal of Hypertension (Arpil 03) 2008: Rhazi K El, Nejjari C, Zidouh A et al. Prevalence of obesity and associated sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition 2010:14(1)160-167 2017: STEPS Morocco 2017/18. Enquête Nationale sur les Facteurs de Risque communs des Maladies Non Transmissibles 2017 – 2018 : Rapport. https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/STEPS-REPORT-2017-2018-Morocco-final.pdf?ua=1 (accessed 0.5.11.19) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1984, 1998: Benjelloun S. Nutrition transition in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition. 2002;5(1A):135-140 2000: Personal Communication from Morocco Minister of Health. National Survey carried out in 2000. Details in press for Journal of Hypertension (Arpil 03) 2008: Rhazi K El, Nejjari C, Zidouh A et al. Prevalence of obesity and associated sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition 2010:14(1)160-167 2017: STEPS Morocco 2017/18. Enquête Nationale sur les Facteurs de Risque communs des Maladies Non Transmissibles 2017 – 2018 : Rapport. https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/STEPS-REPORT-2017-2018-Morocco-final.pdf?ua=1 (accessed 0.5.11.19) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with obesity in selected countries in the EMRO Region 1984-2017, selected countries
Women
| References: | 1984, 1998: Benjelloun S. Nutrition transition in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition. 2002;5(1A):135-140 1991: Al-Lawati JA, Jousilahti PJ. Prevalence and 10year secular trend of obesity in Oman. Saudi Med J 2004;25:346-351 1997: Sibai AM, Hwalla N, Adra N, Rahal B. Prevalence and Covariates of Obesity in Lebanon: Findings from the First Epidemiolgical Study. Obesity Research 203;11:1353-1361 2000: Al-Lawati JA and Jousilahti PJ. (2004). Prevalence and 10 year secular trend of obesity in Oman. Saudi Medical Journal 25: 346 - 351. 2002: WHO Infobase, Macro international data 2007: Department of Statistics [Jordan] and Macro International. 2008. Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2007: Key Findings. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Department of Statistics and Macro International. 2008: Riyami AA, Elaty MAA, Morsi M et al Oman World Health Survey: Part 1 - Methodology, Sociodemographic Profile and Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases in Oman. Oman Medical Journal 2012; 27(5):425-443 2009: WHO STEPS Report 2009 Lebanon 2011: WHO EMRO Egypt STEPS Survey 2011-12 2012: Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International. 2013. Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2012. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International. 2015: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and ICF International. 2015. Egypt Health Issues Survey 2015. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt and ICF International. Available at http://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR313-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm#sthash.StgV9s6X.dpuf 2016: Egypt National STEPwise Survey For Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors Report 2017 https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/Egypt_National_STEPwise_Survey_For_Noncommunicable_Diseases_Risk_Factors_2017_Report.pdf?ua=1 2017: Executive Summary. Oman National Non-Communicable Disease & their Risk Factors Survey 2017 https://mohcsr.gov.om/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Executive-Summary_NCDsurvey2017_En.pdf (last accessed 17.10.19) 2025: Oman STEPS Survey 2025 Fact Sheet (National ncd survey 2025 - fact sheet (total)). Available at: https://moh.gov.om/en/statistics/studies-and-research/ [Accessed 07.04.26] |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Men
| References: | 1984, 1998: Benjelloun S. Nutrition transition in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition. 2002;5(1A):135-140 1991: Al-Lawati JA, Jousilahti PJ. Prevalence and 10year secular trend of obesity in Oman. Saudi Med J 2004;25:346-351 1997: Sibai AM, Hwalla N, Adra N, Rahal B. Prevalence and Covariates of Obesity in Lebanon: Findings from the First Epidemiolgical Study. Obesity Research 203;11:1353-1361 2000: Al-Lawati JA and Jousilahti PJ. (2004). Prevalence and 10 year secular trend of obesity in Oman. Saudi Medical Journal 25: 346 - 351. 2002: WHO Infobase, Macro international data 2007: Department of Statistics [Jordan] and Macro International. 2008. Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2007: Key Findings. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Department of Statistics and Macro International. 2008: Riyami AA, Elaty MAA, Morsi M et al Oman World Health Survey: Part 1 - Methodology, Sociodemographic Profile and Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases in Oman. Oman Medical Journal 2012; 27(5):425-443 2009: WHO STEPS Report 2009 Lebanon 2011: WHO EMRO Egypt STEPS Survey 2011-12 2012: Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International. 2013. Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2012. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International. 2015: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and ICF International. 2015. Egypt Health Issues Survey 2015. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt and ICF International. Available at http://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR313-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm#sthash.StgV9s6X.dpuf 2016: Egypt National STEPwise Survey For Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors Report 2017 https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/Egypt_National_STEPwise_Survey_For_Noncommunicable_Diseases_Risk_Factors_2017_Report.pdf?ua=1 2017: Executive Summary. Oman National Non-Communicable Disease & their Risk Factors Survey 2017 https://mohcsr.gov.om/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Executive-Summary_NCDsurvey2017_En.pdf (last accessed 17.10.19) 2025: Oman STEPS Survey 2025 Fact Sheet (National ncd survey 2025 - fact sheet (total)). Available at: https://moh.gov.om/en/statistics/studies-and-research/ [Accessed 07.04.26] |
| 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. | |
