Palestine
Lower-middle income
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Economic impact
- Policies
- Contextual factors
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National obesity risk *8/10This 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 *6/11This 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).
Report cards
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Population breakdowns
Drivers
Soft drink consumption
Fruit consumption
Vegetable consumption
Fast food consumption
Processed meat consumption
Grains consumption
Depression
Anxiety
Roots of obesity »
Like all chronic diseases, the root causes/drivers of obesity are complex. Select here to view 'other' root causes/drivers.Breastfeeding
Unaffordable diet
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Comorbidities
Economic impact
Contextual factors
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2022
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-69 |
| Sample size: | 5503 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Palestine STEPS Survey 2022 Fact Sheet https://www.pniph.org/images/research/steps/fact-sheet_v3.2-palestine.pdf (Accessed 22.09.23) |
| 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: | 18-50 |
| Sample size: | 357 |
| Area covered: | Gaza Strip |
| References: | Prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity among women in the Gaza strip-Palestine: a cross-sectional study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7275345/ (last accessed 06.06.2022) |
| Notes: | Study population: mothers aged 18-50 who are not pregnant. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2010-2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-64 |
| Sample size: | 6957 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Palestine STEPS Survey 2010-2011, available at https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/Palestine_FactSheet_2010-11.pdf (last accessed 19.10.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-12 |
| Sample size: | 1320 |
| Area covered: | Regional |
| References: | Al-Lahham, S., Jaradat, N., Altamimi, M. et al. Prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among Palestinian school-age children and the associated risk factors: a cross sectional study. BMC Pediatr 19, 483 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-019-1842-7 |
| Notes: | Region: Nablus |
| Cutoffs: | CDC |
Children, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-16 |
| Sample size: | 1500 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Massad et al. 2016. Double Burden of Undernutrition and Obesity in Palestinian Schoolchildren:A Cross-Sectional Study. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. 37(2). pp. 144-152. |
| Notes: | WHO cut-offs used. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
0-5 years, 2019-2020
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 5714 |
| References: | MICS: Palestinian Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019-2020, Survey Findings Report, Ramallah, Palestine. |
| 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, 2014
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 6906 |
| References: | MICS: Palestinian Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2014, Final Report, Ramallah, Palestine |
| 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
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 8831 |
| References: | MICS: Final report of the Palestinian family survey 2010 (MICS). Ramallah, State of Palestine: Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, 2013. |
| 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, 2006-2007
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 9067 |
| References: | PAPFAM: Palestinian family health survey, 2006: Final report. Ramallah, Palestine, 2007 |
| 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, 2004
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 5211 |
| References: | DHS-Style: Palestine Demographic and health Survey 2004 |
| 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, 2002
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 3292 |
| References: | NNS: Palestine Nutrition Survey 2002. Ramallah, Palestine: Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. |
| 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, 2000
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 549510 |
| References: | MICS: Palestine Health Survey 2000 - Main Findings |
| 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
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 3961 |
| References: | MICS: The health survey in the West Bank and Gaza Strip: main findings (MICS). Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. Ramallah, Palestine, 1996 |
| 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 education
Women, 2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-50 |
| Sample size: | 357 |
| Area covered: | Gaza Strip |
| References: | Prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity among women in the Gaza strip-Palestine: a cross-sectional study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7275345/ (last accessed 06.06.2022) |
| Notes: | Study population: mothers aged 18-50 who are not pregnant. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-12 |
| Sample size: | 1320 |
| Area covered: | Nablus |
| References: | Prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among Palestinian school-age children and the associated risk factors: a cross sectional study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6902423/ (last accessed 06.06.2022) |
| Notes: | Maternal education level |
| Cutoffs: | CDC |
Children, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-12 |
| Sample size: | 1320 |
| Area covered: | Nablus |
| References: | Prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among Palestinian school-age children and the associated risk factors: a cross sectional study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6902423/ (last accessed 06.06.2022) |
| Notes: | Paternal education level |
| Cutoffs: | CDC |
0-5 years, 2019-2020
| Sample size: | 5714 |
| References: | MICS: Palestinian Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019-2020, Survey Findings Report, Ramallah, Palestine. |
| 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, 2014
| Sample size: | 6906 |
| References: | MICS: Palestinian Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2014, Final Report, Ramallah, Palestine |
| 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
| Sample size: | 8831 |
| References: | MICS: Final report of the Palestinian family survey 2010 (MICS). Ramallah, State of Palestine: Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, 2013. |
| 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, 2006-2007
| Sample size: | 9067 |
| References: | PAPFAM: Palestinian family health survey, 2006: Final report. Ramallah, Palestine, 2007 |
| 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, 2004
| Sample size: | 5211 |
| References: | DHS-Style: Palestine Demographic and health Survey 2004 |
| 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, 2000
| Sample size: | 549510 |
| References: | MICS: Palestine Health Survey 2000 - Main Findings |
| 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
Women, 2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 357 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | El Kishawi, R.R, Soo, K.L, Abed, Y.A, and Wan Muda, W.A.M. 2014. Obesity and overweight: prevalence and associated socio demographic factors among mothers in three different areas in the Gaza Strip-Palestine: a cross-sectional study. BMC Obesity 1(7). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-9538-1-7. |
| 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 |
| Sample size: | 357 |
| Area covered: | Gaza Strip |
| References: | Prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity among women in the Gaza strip-Palestine: a cross-sectional study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7275345/ (last accessed 06.06.2022) |
| Notes: | Study population: mothers aged 18-50 who are not pregnant. |
| 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
Women, 2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-50 |
| Sample size: | 357 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | El Kishawi, R.R, Soo, K.L, Abed, Y.A, and Wan Muda, W.A.M. 2014. Obesity and overweight: prevalence and associated socio demographic factors among mothers in three different areas in the Gaza Strip-Palestine: a cross-sectional study. BMC Obesity 1(7). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-9538-1-7. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
0-5 years, 2019-2020
| Sample size: | 5714 |
| References: | MICS: Palestinian Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019-2020, Survey Findings Report, Ramallah, Palestine. |
| 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, 2014
| Sample size: | 6906 |
| References: | MICS: Palestinian Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2014, Final Report, Ramallah, Palestine |
| 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
| Sample size: | 8831 |
| References: | MICS: Final report of the Palestinian family survey 2010 (MICS). Ramallah, State of Palestine: Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, 2013. |
| 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, 2006-2007
| Sample size: | 9067 |
| References: | PAPFAM: Palestinian family health survey, 2006: Final report. Ramallah, Palestine, 2007 |
| 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, 2004
| Sample size: | 5211 |
| References: | DHS-Style: Palestine Demographic and health Survey 2004 |
| 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, 2002
| Sample size: | 3292 |
| References: | NNS: Palestine Nutrition Survey 2002. Ramallah, Palestine: Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. |
| 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, 2000
| Sample size: | 549510 |
| References: | MICS: Palestine Health Survey 2000 - Main Findings |
| 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
Women, 2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-50 |
| Sample size: | 357 |
| Area covered: | Gaza Strip |
| References: | Prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity among women in the Gaza strip-Palestine: a cross-sectional study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7275345/ (last accessed 06.06.2022) |
| Notes: | Study population: mothers aged 18-50 who are not pregnant. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
0-5 years, 2019-2020
| Sample size: | 5714 |
| References: | MICS: Palestinian Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019-2020, Survey Findings Report, Ramallah, Palestine. |
| 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, 2014
| Sample size: | 6906 |
| References: | MICS: Palestinian Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2014, Final Report, Ramallah, Palestine |
| 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
| Sample size: | 8831 |
| References: | MICS: Final report of the Palestinian family survey 2010 (MICS). Ramallah, State of Palestine: Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, 2013. |
| 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, 2006-2007
| Sample size: | 9067 |
| References: | PAPFAM: Palestinian family health survey, 2006: Final report. Ramallah, Palestine, 2007 |
| 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 |
Double burden of underweight & overweight
Adults, 2022
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). Worldwide trends in underweight and obesity from 1990 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 3663 population representative studies with 222 million children, adolescents, and adults. Lancet 2024; published online Feb 29. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02750-2. |
| Notes: | Age Standardised estimates |
| Definitions: | Combined prevalence of BMI<18.5 kg/m² and BMI>=30 kg/m² (double burden of underweight and obesity) |
Children, 2022
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-19 |
| References: | NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). Worldwide trends in underweight and obesity from 1990 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 3663 population representative studies with 222 million children, adolescents, and adults. Lancet 2024; published online Feb 29. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02750-2. |
| Notes: | Age standardised estimates |
| Definitions: | Combined prevalence of BMI < -2SD and BMI > 2SD (double burden of thinness and obesity) |
| Cutoffs: | BMI < -2SD and BMI > 2SD |
0-5 years, 2019-2020
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 0-5 |
| References: | UNICEF data available at https://data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/malnutrition/(last accessed 12.03.25) |
| Notes: | Children under 5 falling below -2 standard deviations from the median height for age and falling at or above +2 standard deviations from the median weight-for-height of the reference population |
Average daily frequency of carbonated soft drink 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 |
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, 2008-2015
| 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, 2008-2015
| 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) |
Average weekly frequency of fast food consumption
Children, 2009-2015
| 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 |
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, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depression per 100,000 population (adults 20+ years) |
Men, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depression per 100,000 population (adults 20+ years) |
Women, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depression per 100,000 population (adults 20+ years) |
Children, 2021
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depressive disorder per 100,000 population (Under 20 years of age) |
Boys, 2021
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depressive disorder per 100,000 population (Under 20 years of age) |
Girls, 2021
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depressive disorder per 100,000 population (Under 20 years of age) |
Mental health - anxiety disorders
Adults, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25). |
| Definitions: | Number living with anxiety per 100,000 population |
Men, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25). |
| Definitions: | Number living with anxiety per 100,000 population |
Women, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25). |
| Definitions: | Number living with anxiety per 100,000 population |
Children, 2021
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
Boys, 2021
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
Girls, 2021
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
% Infants exclusively breastfed 0-5 months
0-5 years, 2010-2023
| References: | Palestinian Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019-2020, Survey Findings Report, Ramallah, Palestine. |
| 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. |
Percent of population who cannot afford a healthy diet
Adults, 2022
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | The Food Systems Dashboard. The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), The Columbia Climate School, and Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 2024. Geneva, Switzerland. https://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36072/db. |
Diabetes prevalence
Adults, 2024
| References: | Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 11th edn. Brussels, Belgium:International Diabetes Federation, 2025. http://www.diabetesatlas.org |
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 (%). |
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? | Present |
| 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 |
| Promotion of breastfeeding? | Unknown |
Monitoring and surveillance
| Monitoring of the prevalence and incidence for the main obesity-related NCDs and risk factors? | Present |
| Within 5 years? | Absent |
Governance and resource
| Multi-sectoral national co-ordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)? | Absent |
Key
Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown
Last updated September 13, 2022
Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions
