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

Obesity prevalence

Adults, 2022

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:16+
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2022 Data. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/ilc_hch10/default/table?lang=en (last accessed 19.03.25)
Notes:EUROSTAT 2022 data derived from EU statistics on income and living conditions (EU-SILC) survey which includes adults aged 16+ years. This differs from most EUROSTAT data which is derived from the Health Interview Surveys, which includes adults aged 15+ years (though sometimes only data from adults aged 18+ reported)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Sample size:14,617
Area covered:National
References:Instituto Nacional De Estatistica (2019) Inquérito Nacional de Saúde 2019. Data available from spreadsheet at: https://www.ine.pt/xportal/xmain?xpid=INE&xpgid=ine_destaques&DESTAQUESdest_boui=414434213&DESTAQUESmodo=2&xlang=pt. Last accessed: 01.06.21.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2019

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

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:EUROSTAT Database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_hch10&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-74
Sample size:4819
Area covered:National
References:Gaio, V. et al. (2017) 'Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Portugal: Results from the First Portuguese Health Examination Survey (INSEF 2015)', Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, ISSN 1871-403X. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orcp.2017.08.002 (Accessed: 7 November 2017).
Notes:(2236 Male and 2583 Female)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2015-2016

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-64
Sample size:3281
Area covered:National
References:Oliveira A, Araújo J, Severo M, Correia D, Ramos E, Torres D, Lopes C, The IAN-AF Consortium (2018). Prevalence of general and abdominal obesity in Portugal: comprehensive results from the National Food, nutrition and physical activity survey 2015–2016. BMC Public Health, 18, 614.
Cutoffs:WHO
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2014

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

Adults, 2008-2009

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-64
Sample size:6906
Area covered:National
References:Sardinha LB, Santos DA, Silva AM, Coelho-e-Silva MJ, Raimundo AM, Moreira H, et al. (2012) Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, and Abdominal Obesity in a Representative Sample of Portuguese Adults. PLoS ONE 7(10): e47883. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0047883
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2003-2005

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-64
Sample size:8116
Area covered:National
References:do Carmo I, dos Santos O, Camolas J, Vieira J, Carreira M, Medina L, Reis L, Myatt J, & Galvão-Teles A. Overweight and obesity in Portugal: national prevalence in 2003–2005. Obesity Reviews 2007; 9:11-19.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 1999

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

Adults, 1995-1998

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-64
Sample size:4328
Area covered:National
References:L do Caromo et al. Overweight and obesity in Portugal. Obesity Reviews 2008;9:11-19
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2021-2022

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:13
References:Rakic JG, Hamrik Z, Dzielska A, Felder-Puig R, Oja L, Bakalár P et al. A focus on adolescent physical activity, eating behaviours, weight status and body image in Europe, central Asia and Canada. Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) international report from the 2021/2022 survey. Volume 4. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2024. 'Any translation was not created by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO is not responsible for the content or accuracy of this translation. The original English edition shall be the binding and authentic edition'
Notes:HBSC aims to survey approximately 1500 pupils per age group in each country or region (totaling around 4500)
Cutoffs:+2SD

Children, 2021-2022

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-8
Sample size:6205
Area covered:National
References:Rito, A. et al. (2023). Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative: COSI Portugal 2022. [online] Insa.pt. Available at: https://repositorio.insa.pt/entities/publication/5e4ba9aa-d096-4720-b029-2b3c9910e426 [Accessed 30 May 2025].
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-8
Sample size:7,210
Area covered:National
References:COSI Portugal 2019. Available at: http://www.ceidss.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COSI-2019_-FactSheet.pdf. Last accessed: 18.05.21.
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2018-2020

Survey type:Measured
Age:7
Sample size:3495
Area covered:National
References:Report on the fifth round of data collection, 2018–2020: WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI). Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2022. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Cutoffs:WHO 2007

Children, 2016

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-8
Sample size:2828
Area covered:National
References:COSI Portugal 2016. Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative. Available from: http://repositorio.insa.pt/bitstream/10400.18/4857/8/COSI%202016_V2_fev2018.pdf [Accessed 15 April 2019].
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2013-2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:5-13
Sample size:7624
Area covered:Regional
References:Camarinha B, et al. Prevalence of pre-obesity/obesity in pre and basic school children at Vila Nova de Gaia, Acta Med Port 2016 Jan;29(1):31-40
Notes:Region - Vila Nova de Gaia 2009 national data for children is available in the trend section of these maps. International IOTF cut off points shown CDC & WHO cut off available
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2009

Survey type:Measured
Age:3-10
Sample size:17277
Area covered:National
References:GAMA AUGUSTA, ROSADO-MARQUES VÍTOR, MACHADO-RODRIGUES ARISTIDES M., NOGUEIRA HELENA, MOURÃO ISABEL, PADEZ CRISTINA. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in 3-to-10-year-old children: assessment of different cut-off criteria WHO-IOTF. An. Acad. Bras. Ciênc. [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2020 Sep 09] ; 92( 2 ): e20190449. Available from: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652020000300907&lng=en. Epub Aug 07, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202020190449.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2008

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-8
Sample size:3765
Area covered:National
References:Rito, A., Wijnhoven, T. M. A., Rutter, H., Carvalho, M. A., Paixão, E., Ramos, C., Claudio, D., Espanca, R., Sancho, T., Cerqueira, Z., Carvalho, R., Faria, C., Feliciano, E. and Breda, J. (2012), Prevalence of obesity among Portuguese children (6–8 years old) using three definition criteria: COSI Portugal, 2008. Pediatric Obesity. doi: 10.1111/j.2047-6310.2012.00068.x
Notes:IOTF International Cut off - other cut off points available
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2008

Survey type:Measured
Age:10-18
Sample size:22048
Area covered:National
References:SARDINHA, L. B., SANTOS, R., VALE, S., SILVA, A. M., FERREIRA, J. P., RAIMUNDO, A. M., MOREIRA, H., BAPTISTA, F. and MOTA, J. (2011), Prevalence of overweight and obesity among Portuguese youth: A study in a representative sample of 10–18-year-old children and adolescents. International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, 6: e124–e128. doi: 10.3109/17477166.2010.490263
Notes:IOTF International Cut off Points. Cole et al 2000
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2007-2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:8
Sample size:6262
Area covered:National
References:Spinelli et al (2019). 'Childhood Severe Obesity in Europe', Obes Facts.12, pp. 244–258. (Data from COSI round 1-3)
Notes:NOTE - this data is from COSI round I, II and III (2007 - 2013) IOTF cut-offs used.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2002-2003

Survey type:Measured
Age:7-9
Sample size:4508
Area covered:National
References:Padez C, Fernandes T, Mourao I, Moreira P, Rosado V. Prevalence of overweight an dobesity in 7-9 year old Portuguese Children:Trends in body mass index from 1970-2002. American Journal of Human Biology 2004;16:670-678
Notes:IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3.
Cutoffs:IOTF

0-5 years, 2015-2016

Age:0-5
Sample size:315401
References:Other: Inquérito Alimentar Nacional e de Atividade Física, IAN-AF 2015-2016
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

Overweight/obesity by age and education

Adults, 2022

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2022 Data. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/ilc_hch10/default/table?lang=en (last accessed 30.05.25)
Definitions:ISCED 2011 Levels. Level 0-2: Less than primary, primary, and lower secondary education, Level 3-4: Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education, Level 5-8: Tertiary education
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2022

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2022 Data. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/ilc_hch10/default/table?lang=en (last accessed 30.05.25)
Definitions:ISCED 2011 Levels. Level 0-2: Less than primary, primary, and lower secondary education, Level 3-4: Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education, Level 5-8: Tertiary education
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

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2022 Data. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/ilc_hch10/default/table?lang=en (last accessed 30.05.25)
Definitions:ISCED 2011 Levels. Level 0-2: Less than primary, primary, and lower secondary education, Level 3-4: Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education, Level 5-8: Tertiary education
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2017

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

Women, 2017

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

Men, 2014

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

Women, 2014

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

Overweight/obesity by education

Adults, 2022

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:16+
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2022 Data. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/ilc_hch10/default/table?lang=en (last accessed 19.03.25)
Notes:EUROSTAT 2022 data derived from EU statistics on income and living conditions (EU-SILC) survey which includes adults aged 16+ years. This differs from most EUROSTAT data which is derived from the Health Interview Surveys, which includes adults aged 15+ years (though sometimes only data from adults aged 18+ reported)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2022

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:16+
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2022 Data. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/ilc_hch10/default/table?lang=en (last accessed 19.03.25)
Notes:EUROSTAT 2022 data derived from EU statistics on income and living conditions (EU-SILC) survey which includes adults aged 16+ years. This differs from most EUROSTAT data which is derived from the Health Interview Surveys, which includes adults aged 15+ years (though sometimes only data from adults aged 18+ reported)
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

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:16+
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2022 Data. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/ilc_hch10/default/table?lang=en (last accessed 19.03.25)
Notes:EUROSTAT 2022 data derived from EU statistics on income and living conditions (EU-SILC) survey which includes adults aged 16+ years. This differs from most EUROSTAT data which is derived from the Health Interview Surveys, which includes adults aged 15+ years (though sometimes only data from adults aged 18+ reported)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-74
Sample size:Female = 2580 Male = 2235
Area covered:National
References:Gaio, V. et al. (2017) 'Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Portugal: Results from the First Portuguese Health Examination Survey (INSEF 2015)', Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, ISSN 1871-403X. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orcp.2017.08.002 (Accessed: 7 November 2017).
Notes:Translated images for obesity prevalence by educational status are also available from: 1995-96, 1988-99 and 2003-05.
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

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-74
Sample size:Female = 2580 Male = 2235
Area covered:National
References:Gaio, V. et al. (2017) 'Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Portugal: Results from the First Portuguese Health Examination Survey (INSEF 2015)', Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, ISSN 1871-403X. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orcp.2017.08.002 (Accessed: 7 November 2017).
Notes:Translated images for obesity prevalence by educational status are also available from: 1995-96, 1988-99 and 2003-05.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Notes:Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education (levels 0-2) Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education (levels 3 and 4) Tertiary education (levels 5-8)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Notes:Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education (levels 0-2) Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education (levels 3 and 4) Tertiary education (levels 5-8)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2003-2005

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-64
Sample size:8116
Area covered:National
References:Do Carmo, I., Dos Santos, O., Camolas, J., Vieira, J., Carreira, M., Medina, L., Reis, L., Myatt, J. and Galvão-Teles, A. (2008), Overweight and obesity in Portugal: national prevalence in 2003–2005. Obesity Reviews, 9: 11–19. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2007.00422.x
Notes:WHO BMI Cut-offs
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2003-2005

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-64
Sample size:8116
Area covered:National
References:Do Carmo, I., Dos Santos, O., Camolas, J., Vieira, J., Carreira, M., Medina, L., Reis, L., Myatt, J. and Galvão-Teles, A. (2008), Overweight and obesity in Portugal: national prevalence in 2003–2005. Obesity Reviews, 9: 11–19. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2007.00422.x
Notes:WHO BMI Cut-offs
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 1998-1999

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:38225
Area covered:National
References:Marques-Vidal P and Dias CM. Trends in Overweight and Obesity in Portugal: The National Health Surveys 1995-6 and 1998-9. Obes Res. 2005; 13: 1141-1145
Notes:Definitions: Primary/basic education = up to 6yrs education Secondary = 6-12yrs education University level = 12yrs+ education
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 1998-1999

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:38225
Area covered:National
References:Marques-Vidal P and Dias CM. Trends in Overweight and Obesity in Portugal: The National Health Surveys 1995-6 and 1998-9. Obes Res. 2005; 13: 1141-1145
Notes:Definitions: Primary/basic education = up to 6yrs education Secondary = 6-12yrs education University level = 12yrs+ education
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 1995-1996

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:38238
Area covered:National
References:Marques-Vidal P and Dias CM. Trends in Overweight and Obesity in Portugal: The National Health Surveys 1995-6 and 1998-9. Obes Res. 2005; 13: 1141-1145
Notes:Definitions: Primary/basic education = up to 6yrs education Secondary = 6-12yrs education University level = 12yrs+ education
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 1995-1996

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:38238
Area covered:National
References:Marques-Vidal P and Dias CM. Trends in Overweight and Obesity in Portugal: The National Health Surveys 1995-6 and 1998-9. Obes Res. 2005; 13: 1141-1145
Notes:Definitions: Primary/basic education = up to 6yrs education Secondary = 6-12yrs education University level = 12yrs+ education
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2007-2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:7
Sample size:2964
Area covered:National
References:Spinelli et al (2019). 'Childhood Severe Obesity in Europe', Obes Facts.12, pp. 244–258. (Data from COSI round 1-3)
Notes:WHO cut-offs used. Based on Mother's education level.
Cutoffs:WHO

Boys, 2002-2003

Survey type:Measured
Age:7-9
Sample size:4511
Area covered:National
References:PADEZ, C., MOURÃO, I., MOREIRA, P. and ROSADO, V. (2005), Prevalence and risk factors for overweight and obesity in Portuguese children. Acta Paediatrica, 94: 1550–1557. doi: 10.1080/08035250510042924
Notes:Prevalence of overweight and obesity by Paternal Education IOTF cut-off points used
Cutoffs:IOTF

Girls, 2002-2003

Survey type:Measured
Age:7-9
Sample size:4511
Area covered:National
References:PADEZ, C., MOURÃO, I., MOREIRA, P. and ROSADO, V. (2005), Prevalence and risk factors for overweight and obesity in Portuguese children. Acta Paediatrica, 94: 1550–1557. doi: 10.1080/08035250510042924
Notes:Prevalence of overweight and obesity by Paternal Education IOTF cut-off points used
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by age

Adults, 2022

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2022 Data. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/ilc_hch10/default/table?lang=en (last accessed 30.05.25)
Notes:EUROSTAT 2022 data derived from EU statistics on income and living conditions (EU-SILC) survey which includes adults aged 16+ years. This differs from most EUROSTAT data which is derived from the Health Interview Surveys, which includes adults aged 15+ years (though sometimes only data from adults aged 18+ reported)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Sample size:14,617
Area covered:National
References:Instituto Nacional De Estatistica (2019) Inquérito Nacional de Saúde 2019. Data available from spreadsheet at: https://www.ine.pt/xportal/xmain?xpid=INE&xpgid=ine_destaques&DESTAQUESdest_boui=414434213&DESTAQUESmodo=2&xlang=pt. Last accessed: 01.06.21.
Notes:Some values are missing.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2019

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

Adults, 2017

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

Adults, 2008-2009

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:9447
Area covered:National
References:Sardinha LB, Santos DA, Silva AM, Coelho-e-Silva MJ, Raimundo AM, et al (2012) Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity and Abdominal Obesity in a Representative Sample of Portuguese Adults. PloS ONE 7(10): e47883. doc:10.1371/journal.pone.0047883
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2021-2022

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:See Report
References:Rakić JG, Hamrik Z, Dzielska A, Felder-Puig R, Oja L, Bakalár P et al. A focus on adolescent physical activity, eating behaviours, weight status and body image in Europe, central Asia and Canada. Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) international report from the 2021/2022 survey. Volume 4. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2024. 'Any translation was not created by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO is not responsible for the content or accuracy of this translation. The original English edition shall be the binding and authentic edition'
Notes:HBSC aims to survey approximately 1500 pupils per age group in each country or region (totaling around 4500)
Cutoffs:+2SD

Children, 2021-2022

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:6205
Area covered:National
References:Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative COSI Portugal 2022 https://repositorio.insa.pt/handle/10400.18/8630 (last accessed 05.09.24)
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:7,210
Area covered:National
References:COSI Portugal 2019. Available at: http://www.ceidss.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COSI-2019_-FactSheet.pdf. Last accessed: 18.05.21.

Children, 2018-2020

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:6573
Area covered:National
References:Report on the fifth round of data collection, 2018–2020: WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI). Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2022. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Cutoffs:WHO 2007

Children, 2016

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:2828
Area covered:National
References:COSI Portugal 2016. Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative. Available from: http://repositorio.insa.pt/bitstream/10400.18/4857/8/COSI%202016_V2_fev2018.pdf [Accessed 15 April 2019].
Notes:WHO cut-offs used.
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2010-2011

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:7659
Area covered:Subnational
References:Pérez-Farinós N, López-Sobaler A.M,Dal Re M.A,Villar C, Labrado E, Robledo T and Ortega R.M. 2013. The ALADINO Study: A National Study of Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Spanish Children in 2011. BioMed Research International; 2013 http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/163687
Notes:IOTF cut offs used
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2009-2010

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:17136
Area covered:National
References:Bingham DD, Varela-Silva MI, Ferrão MM et al. Socio-Demographic and Behavioral Risk Factors Associated with the High Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Portuguese Children. American Journal of Human Biology 2013; 25: 733-742
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by region

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019 Data. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/hlth_ehis_bm1u/default/table?lang=en&category=hlth.hlth_det.hlth_bmi (last accessed 30.05.25)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019 Data. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/hlth_ehis_bm1u/default/table?lang=en&category=hlth.hlth_det.hlth_bmi (last accessed 30.05.25)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019 Data. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/hlth_ehis_bm1u/default/table?lang=en&category=hlth.hlth_det.hlth_bmi (last accessed 30.05.25)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-74
Sample size:4819
Area covered:National
References:Gaio, V. et al. (2017) 'Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Portugal: Results from the First Portuguese Health Examination Survey (INSEF 2015)', Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, ISSN 1871-403X. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orcp.2017.08.002 (Accessed: 7 November 2017).
Notes:Female = 2583, Male = 2236
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

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-74
Sample size:4819
Area covered:National
References:Gaio, V. et al. (2017) 'Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Portugal: Results from the First Portuguese Health Examination Survey (INSEF 2015)', Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, ISSN 1871-403X. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orcp.2017.08.002 (Accessed: 7 November 2017).
Notes:Female = 2583, Male = 2236
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 1998-1999

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:38225
Area covered:National
References:Marques-Vidal P and Dias CM. Trends in Overweight and Obesity in Portugal: The National Health Surveys 1995-6 and 1998-9. Obes Res. 2005; 13: 1141-1145
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 1998-1999

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:38225
Area covered:National
References:Marques-Vidal P and Dias CM. Trends in Overweight and Obesity in Portugal: The National Health Surveys 1995-6 and 1998-9. Obes Res. 2005; 13: 1141-1145
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 1995-1996

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:38238
Area covered:National
References:Marques-Vidal P and Dias CM. Trends in Overweight and Obesity in Portugal: The National Health Surveys 1995-6 and 1998-9. Obes Res. 2005; 13: 1141-1145
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 1995-1996

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:20+
Sample size:38238
Area covered:National
References:Marques-Vidal P and Dias CM. Trends in Overweight and Obesity in Portugal: The National Health Surveys 1995-6 and 1998-9. Obes Res. 2005; 13: 1141-1145
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2021-2022

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-8
Sample size:6205
Area covered:National
References:Rito, A. et al. (2023). Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative: COSI Portugal 2022. [online] Insa.pt. Available at: https://repositorio.insa.pt/entities/publication/5e4ba9aa-d096-4720-b029-2b3c9910e426 [Accessed 30 May 2025].
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2021-2022

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-8
Sample size:6205
Area covered:National
References:Rito, A. et al. (2023). Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative: COSI Portugal 2022. [online] Insa.pt. Available at: https://repositorio.insa.pt/entities/publication/5e4ba9aa-d096-4720-b029-2b3c9910e426 [Accessed 30 May 2025].
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-8
Sample size:7,210
Area covered:National
References:COSI Portugal 2019. Available at: http://www.ceidss.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COSI-2019_-FactSheet.pdf. Last accessed: 18.05.21.
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2016

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-8
Sample size:6672
Area covered:National
References:COSI Portugal 2016. Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative. Available from: http://repositorio.insa.pt/bitstream/10400.18/4857/8/COSI%202016_V2_fev2018.pdf [Accessed 15 April 2019].
Notes:WHO cut-offs used.
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2007-2008

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-8
Sample size:3765
Area covered:National
References:Rito, A., Wijnhoven, T. M. A., Rutter, H., Carvalho, M. A., Paixão, E., Ramos, C., Claudio, D., Espanca, R., Sancho, T., Cerqueira, Z., Carvalho, R., Faria, C., Feliciano, E. and Breda, J. (2012), Prevalence of obesity among Portuguese children (6–8 years old) using three definition criteria: COSI Portugal, 2008. Pediatric Obesity, 7: 413–422. doi: 10.1111/j.2047-6310.2012.00068.x
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by age and region

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019 Data. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/hlth_ehis_bm1u/default/table?lang=en&category=hlth.hlth_det.hlth_bmi (last accessed 30.05.25)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019 Data. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/hlth_ehis_bm1u/default/table?lang=en&category=hlth.hlth_det.hlth_bmi (last accessed 30.05.25)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019 Data. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/hlth_ehis_bm1u/default/table?lang=en&category=hlth.hlth_det.hlth_bmi (last accessed 30.05.25)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2014

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

Women, 2014

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

Overweight/obesity by age and socio-economic group

Adults, 2019

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

Men, 2019

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

Women, 2019

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

Adults, 2014

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

Men, 2014

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

Women, 2014

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

Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group

Men, 2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-74
Sample size:4667
Area covered:National
References:Gaio, V. et al. (2017) 'Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Portugal: Results from the First Portuguese Health Examination Survey (INSEF 2015)', Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, ISSN 1871-403X. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orcp.2017.08.002 (Accessed: 7 November 2017).
Notes:Female = 2510 Male = 2157 Socioeconomic status based on the following occupational activities: A = Armed Forces, Managers and Professionals B = Technicians & Associate Professionals, Clerical Support Workers, Services & Sales Workers C = Skilled Agricultural Workers, Craft & Related Trades Workers, Plant & Machine Operators, Elementary occupations, Housewives, Students
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

Survey type:Measured
Age:25-74
Sample size:4667
Area covered:National
References:Gaio, V. et al. (2017) 'Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Portugal: Results from the First Portuguese Health Examination Survey (INSEF 2015)', Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, ISSN 1871-403X. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orcp.2017.08.002 (Accessed: 7 November 2017).
Notes:Female = 2510 Male = 2157 Socioeconomic status based on the following occupational activities: A = Armed Forces, Managers and Professionals B = Technicians & Associate Professionals, Clerical Support Workers, Services & Sales Workers C = Skilled Agricultural Workers, Craft & Related Trades Workers, Plant & Machine Operators, Elementary occupations, Housewives, Students
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Notes:1st Quintile (lowest income), 5th Quintile (highest income) Please note where data = zero, there were insufficient data.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:2014 Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20)
Notes:1st Quintile (lowest income), 5th Quintile (highest income) Please note where data = zero, there were insufficient data.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2003-2005

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-64
Sample size:8116
Area covered:National
References:Do Carmo, I., Dos Santos, O., Camolas, J., Vieira, J., Carreira, M., Medina, L., Reis, L., Myatt, J. and Galvão-Teles, A. (2008), Overweight and obesity in Portugal: national prevalence in 2003–2005. Obesity Reviews, 9: 11–19. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2007.00422.x
Notes:Occupational activity definitions: A = Directors and other superior staff B = Intellectual and scientific expert C = Medium-level technicians D = Administrative staff and sellers E = Farmers, fishermen, factory-hand men, artisans and other non-qualified workers
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2003-2005

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-64
Sample size:8116
Area covered:National
References:Do Carmo, I., Dos Santos, O., Camolas, J., Vieira, J., Carreira, M., Medina, L., Reis, L., Myatt, J. and Galvão-Teles, A. (2008), Overweight and obesity in Portugal: national prevalence in 2003–2005. Obesity Reviews, 9: 11–19. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2007.00422.x
Notes:Occupational activity definitions: A = Directors and other superior staff B = Intellectual and scientific expert C = Medium-level technicians D = Administrative staff and sellers E = Farmers, fishermen, factory-hand men, artisans and other non-qualified workers
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Boys, 2021-2022

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-15
References:Raki? JG, Hamrik Z, Dzielska A, Felder-Puig R, Oja L, Bakalár P et al. A focus on adolescent physical activity, eating behaviours, weight status and body image in Europe, central Asia and Canada. Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) international report from the 2021/2022 survey. Volume 4. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2024. 'Any translation was not created by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO is not responsible for the content or accuracy of this translation. The original English edition shall be the binding and authentic edition'
Notes:Family affluence scaleHBSC aims to survey approximately 1500 pupils per age group in each country or region (totaling around 4500)
Cutoffs:+2SD

Girls, 2021-2022

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-15
References:Raki? JG, Hamrik Z, Dzielska A, Felder-Puig R, Oja L, Bakalár P et al. A focus on adolescent physical activity, eating behaviours, weight status and body image in Europe, central Asia and Canada. Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) international report from the 2021/2022 survey. Volume 4. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2024. 'Any translation was not created by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO is not responsible for the content or accuracy of this translation. The original English edition shall be the binding and authentic edition'
Notes:Family affluence scaleHBSC aims to survey approximately 1500 pupils per age group in each country or region (totaling around 4500)
Cutoffs:+2SD

Boys, 2017-2018

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-15
Sample size:5839
Area covered:National
References:World Health Organization (2020). Spotlight on adolescent health and well-being - Findings from the 2017/2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey in Europe and Canada. Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/332091/9789289055000-eng.pdf. Last accessed: 25.05.21.
Notes:HBSC Family Affluence Scale (FAS) - "HBSC uses an alternative measure, the Family Affluence Scale, which asks young people about material assets such as family cars, number of foreign holidays, computers, bathrooms and dishwashers in the household, holidays and having a bedroom to oneself. The scale, which enables users to add up how many of these assets a young person has in their home compared with other adolescents in their country/region, has been shown to provide a valid indicator of relative affluence."
Definitions:HBSC Family Affluence Scale (FAS)
Cutoffs:WHO

Girls, 2017-2018

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-15
Sample size:5839
Area covered:National
References:World Health Organization (2020). Spotlight on adolescent health and well-being - Findings from the 2017/2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey in Europe and Canada. Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/332091/9789289055000-eng.pdf. Last accessed: 25.05.21.
Notes:HBSC Family Affluence Scale (FAS) - "HBSC uses an alternative measure, the Family Affluence Scale, which asks young people about material assets such as family cars, number of foreign holidays, computers, bathrooms and dishwashers in the household, holidays and having a bedroom to oneself. The scale, which enables users to add up how many of these assets a young person has in their home compared with other adolescents in their country/region, has been shown to provide a valid indicator of relative affluence."
Definitions:HBSC Family Affluence Scale (FAS)
Cutoffs:WHO

Boys, 2005-2006

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:5-19
Sample size:6903
Area covered:National
References:Carlota Quintal, Joana Oliveira, (2017) "Socioeconomic inequalities in child obesity and overweight in Portugal", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 44 Issue: 10, pp.1377-1389, https://doi-org.plymouth.idm.oclc.org/10.1108/IJSE-11-2015-0291
Notes:IOTF Cut-offs used. Prevalence of Overweight/Obesity by Socioeconomic Status (Monthly/Family Income in Euros)
Cutoffs:IOTF

Girls, 2005-2006

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:5-19
Sample size:6903
Area covered:National
References:Carlota Quintal, Joana Oliveira, (2017) "Socioeconomic inequalities in child obesity and overweight in Portugal", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 44 Issue: 10, pp.1377-1389, https://doi-org.plymouth.idm.oclc.org/10.1108/IJSE-11-2015-0291
Notes:IOTF Cut-offs used. Prevalence of Overweight/Obesity by Socioeconomic Status (Monthly/Family Income in Euros)
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by ethnicity

Ethnic groups are as defined by publication of origin and are not as defined by WOF. In some instances ethnicity is conflated with nationality and/or race.

Men, 2005-2006

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:19+
Sample size:31685
Area covered:National
References:Peralta, L., Dias, S.F. and Maria (2017). Association between length of residence and overweight among adult immigrants in Portugal: A nationwide cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, [online] 17(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4252-5.
Notes:Data from National Health Survey 2005-06. Portuguese = 30,228, Immigrants = 1,447.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2005-2006

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:19+
Sample size:31685
Area covered:National
References:Peralta, L., Dias, S.F. and Maria (2017). Association between length of residence and overweight among adult immigrants in Portugal: A nationwide cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, [online] 17(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4252-5.
Notes:Data from National Health Survey 2005-06. Portuguese = 30,228, Immigrants = 1,447.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Overweight/obesity by age and limited activity

Adults, 2014

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

Men, 2014

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

Women, 2014

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

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, 2015-2016

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

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

Children, 2016

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

Boys, 2016

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

Girls, 2016

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

Children, 2010

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

Boys, 2010

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

Girls, 2010

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

Sugar consumption

Adults, 2016

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

Estimated per capita sugar sweetened beverages intake

Adults, 2016

References:Source: Euromonitor International

Prevalence of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption

Boys, 2021-2022

Area covered:National
References:Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (2023), Data browser (findings from the 2021/22 international HBSC survey): https://data-browser.hbsc.org.. Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (2020), Data browser (findings from the 2017/18 international HBSC survey): https://data-browser.hbsc.org.
Definitions:Proportion who reported drinking sugary soft drinks daily (at least once)

Girls, 2021-2022

Area covered:National
References:Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (2023), Data browser (findings from the 2021/22 international HBSC survey): https://data-browser.hbsc.org.. Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (2020), Data browser (findings from the 2017/18 international HBSC survey): https://data-browser.hbsc.org.
Definitions:Proportion who reported drinking sugary soft drinks daily (at least once)

Boys, 2017-2018

Area covered:National
References:Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (2023), Data browser (findings from the 2021/22 international HBSC survey): https://data-browser.hbsc.org.. Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (2020), Data browser (findings from the 2017/18 international HBSC survey): https://data-browser.hbsc.org.
Definitions:Proportion who reported drinking sugary soft drinks daily (at least once)

Girls, 2017-2018

Area covered:National
References:Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (2023), Data browser (findings from the 2021/22 international HBSC survey): https://data-browser.hbsc.org.. Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (2020), Data browser (findings from the 2017/18 international HBSC survey): https://data-browser.hbsc.org.
Definitions:Proportion who reported drinking sugary soft drinks daily (at least once)

Children, 2014

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

Prevalence of confectionery consumption

Adults, 2016

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

Prevalence of sweet/savoury snack consumption

Adults, 2016

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

Estimated per capita fruit intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day)

Prevalence of less than daily fruit consumption

Children, 2014

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

Prevalence of less than daily vegetable consumption

Children, 2014

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

Estimated per-capita processed meat intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day)

Estimated per capita whole grains intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day)

Mental health - depression disorders

Adults, 2015

References:Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Definitions:% of population with depression disorders

Mental health - anxiety disorders

Adults, 2015

References:Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Definitions:% of population with anxiety disorders

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.

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 10.01.2287
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 10.01.2287
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 10.01.2287
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 10.01.2287
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 10.01.2287
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 10.01.2287
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 10.01.2287
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 10.01.2287
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 10.01.2287
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 10.01.2287
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 10.01.2287
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, 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, 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.

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

Country comparisons

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

Policies, Interventions and Actions

Action Roadmap to Accelerate the Prevention and Control of Obesity in Portugal 2025-2027

The action roadmap proposes 10 actions to prevent and control obesity, including improving access and quality of health care for people living with obesity, creating healthier food environments and guidelines for public food procurement, and strengthening the promotion of healthy eating and physical activity by municipalities, daycare centers, schools, and universities. These actions are within the scope of Portugal's participation in the WHO Acceleration Plan to Stop Obesity. (Document in Portuguese)

Categories:Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Categories (partial):Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2025-2027
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Directorate-General for Health
Find out more:nutrimento.pt
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Direção-Geral da Saúde. ROTEIRO DE AÇÃO PARA ACELERAR A PREVENÇÃO E CONTROLO DA OBESIDADE EM PORTUGAL 2025-2027. [Accessed 02.06.25].

Commercial Determinants of Noncommunicable Diseases in the WHO European Region

This report highlights the substantial impact of commercial determinants on noncommunicable diseases (‎NCDs)‎ in the WHO European Region. Nearly 7500 deaths per day in the Region are attributed to commercial determinants, such as tobacco, alcohol,processed food, fossil fuels and occupational practices. These commercial products and practices contribute to 25% of all deaths in the Region. The report’s chapters systematically explore various facets of how commercial interests exacerbate NCDs and key strategies used by commercial actors to negatively influence NCD-related policies at the national and international level. The reportalso provides selected case studies from the Region to illustrate key strategies and outcomes of industry influence on health policies.The report then calls for urgent and coordinated action to address the commercial determinants of NCDs. It advocates for building coalitions based on the values of equity, sustainability, and resilience. Public health actors are urged to develop competencies in economic and legal frameworks, enforce transparency, and manage conflicts of interest effectively. The report underscores the need for robust financial reforms and strict regulation to curb industry power and protect public health. By implementing these strategies, the Region can accelerate progress towards global NCD targets and Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2024 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:World Health Organisation (WHO)
Linked document:Download linked document
References:World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. (‎2024)‎. Commercial Determinants of Noncommunicable Diseases in the WHO European Region. World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/376957. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO

Commission for the Promotion of Breastfeeding (Order No. 13056/2023)

The Commission for the Promotion of Breastfeeding was established in 2023 to promote and support breastfeeding in health institutions. It will establish a process for implementing, monitoring and evaluating practices. In line with the National Programme for the Promotion of Healthy Eating, the commission aims to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding to 50% by 2030.

Categories:Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Year(s):2023 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Directorate-General for Health
Find out more:nutrimento.pt
Linked document:Download linked document

National Programme for Diabetes

A programme to combat diabetes has existed in Portugal since 1974. In 2012, this programme became one of the priority health programmes of the Directorate-General for Health (DGS). The programme aims to improve healthcare for and reduce the prevalence of diabetes by addressing risk factors. This document contains an action plan for 2023-2024, and a report of 2021-2022 activities.

Categories:Evidence of NCD strategy
Year(s):2023-2024
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Directorate-General for Health
Find out more:www.dgs.pt
Linked document:Download linked document

Order No. 12634/2023 -Determines the implementation of an Integrated Care Model for the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity

Order No. 12634/2023 determines the implementation of an Integrated Care Model for the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity. This order is aligned with the strategic objectives of National Program for the Promotion of Healthy Eating 2022-2030 strategy and is part of the set of efforts that Portugal is developing to intensify the response to obesity within the scope of the WHO Acceleration Plan to STOP Obesity. The order highlights the importance of interventions in the primary care setting, schools and at different stages of the life cycle (including pregnancy and childhood ). There is also an emphasis on the importance of multidisciplinary input.

Categories:Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Categories (partial):Evidence of Multidisciplinary Intervention
Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2023 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Government
Find out more:nutrimento.pt
Linked document:Download linked document

National Programme for the Promotion of Healthy Eating (PNPAS) 2022-2030

National Programme for the Promotion of Healthy Eating 2022-2030 intends to continue the work started in 2012, promoting the health of the population, and preventing and controlling all forms of malnutrition including obesity, through a concerted and integrated set of actions, at the level of food environments, at the individual level and at the health care level. Through these actions, the programme also aims to prevent and control non-communicable diseases and obesity.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Categories (partial):Evidence of NCD strategy
Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2022-2030
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Directorate-General for Health
Find out more:nutrimento.pt
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Portugal. Ministério da Saúde. Direção-Geral da Saúde. PROGRAMA NACIONAL PARA A PROMOÇÃO DA ALIMENTAÇÃO SAUDÁVEL 2022-2030 Lisboa: Direção-Geral da Saúde, 2022. [Last Accessed: 02.06.25].

National Programme for the Promotion of Physical Activity (PNPAF) 2022-2024 (Preliminary)

Three year action plan for the National Programme for the Promotion of Physical Activity. The plan contains initiatives to facilitate and promote physical activity, in line with the National Plan of Health 2030.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2022-2024
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Directorate-General for Health
Find out more:www.dgs.pt
Linked document:Download linked document

National Health Plan (PNS) 2030

The 2030 National Health Plan (Plan Nacional de Saúde (PNS), 2030) outlines guidelines to improve the health and wellbeing of the population throughout the lifecycle. It includes commitments to address determinants of non-communicable disease including inadequate diet, physical activity, and excess weight and obesity.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Categories (partial):Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2021-2030
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Directorate-General for Health
Find out more:eurohealthobservatory.who.int
Linked document:Download linked document

National Strategy to Fight Against Cancer

Portugal's national cancer strategy for 2021 to 2030. It includes plans to address risk factors by promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing obesity.

Categories:Evidence of NCD strategy
Year(s):2021-2030
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Directorate-General for Health
Linked document:Download linked document

National Strategy for Active Mobility 2020-2030

The National Strategy for Active Mobility is an action plan to promote and facilitate active modes of transport such as walking and cycling in Portugal, in order to contribute to healthier lives and reduce the environmental impact of transport.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2020-2030
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Institute of Mobility and Transport
Find out more:www.ccdr-a.gov.pt
Linked document:Download linked document

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

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

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2019 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The European Commission
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/36162 (last accessed 12.07.22) Please note the GINA website has been replaced by the GIFNA database and the GINA link will no longer work. You will find this document by searching this new database: https://gifna.who.int/

Cities for Better Health - Lisbon

Lisbon joined the Cities for Better Health programme in 2019. The programme aims to promote actions to create a healthier urban environment. In Lisbon, the priority is to reduce obesity and diabetes by changing the food environment and offering screenings.

Categories:Non-national obesity strategies
Year(s):2019 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Cities for Better Health
Find out more:www.citiesforbetterhealth.com
Linked document:Download linked document

European practical and patient-centred guidelines for adult obesity management in primary care

This article aims to provide obesity management guidelines specifically tailored to GPs, favouring a practical patient-centred approach. The focus is on GP communication and motivational interviewing as well as on therapeutic patient education. The new guidelines highlight the importance of avoiding stigmatization, something frequently seen in different health care settings. In addition, managing the psychological aspects of the disease, such as improving self-esteem, body image and quality of life must not be neglected.

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2019 (ongoing)
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Dominique Durrer Schutz, Luca Busetto, Dror Dicker, Nathalie Farpour-Lambert, Rachel Pryke, Hermann Toplak, Daniel Widmer, Volkan Yumuk, Yves Schutz; European Practical and Patient-Centred Guidelines for Adult Obesity Management in Primary Care. Obes Facts 15 March 2019; 12 (1): 40–66. https://doi.org/10.1159/000496183

Expanded Commitment to Reformulate Food Products

In May 2019, a broad commitment was signed to reformulate the levels of salt, sugar and trans fatty acids in many food products by 2023. This was signed by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), the National Institute of Health (INSA), the Portuguese Association of Distribution Companies (APED) and the Federation of Portuguese Agri-Food Industries (FIPA). The 2022 monitoring report found that 50% of products analysed had met these reduction commitments so far.

Categories:Industry/Government regulations - voluntary /pledges
Year(s):2019-2023
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Directorate-General for Health
Find out more:alimentacaosaudavel.dgs.pt
Linked document:Download linked document

Restrictions on advertising aimed at minors (Law 30/2019)

This law was introduced in 2019 as an amendment of Portugal's 14th Advertising code. Restrictions of the law included prohibition of advertising of unhealthy HFSS food and drinks to children below of the age of 16 years, in a variety of broadcasting mediums including the internet and social media. Categorisation of HFSS foods follows the WHO nutrient profile model.

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2019 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Portuguese Parliament
Find out more:abreuadvogados.com

Guidelines for School Meals and Cafeterias

Promotes healthy food offer in all public schools, from pre-school to secondary school. The guidelines promote the Mediterranean diet.

Categories:Evidence of School Food Regulations
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Ministry of Education
Linked document:Download linked document

Integrated Strategy for the Promotion of Healthy Eating (EIPAS)

The main focus of the strategy is addressing health holistically and tackle NCDs through healthier eating. The strategy looks at the main nutritional issues the Portuguese population is facing, in particular the excess consumption of High Fat Salt and Sugar (HFSS) foods, while pushing for the promotion of a more traditional and healthier Mediterranean diet. Its proposals were agreed to be implemented by various ministries, to reflect WHO obligations to integrate "health in all policies". Main objectives include creating healthier food environments, promoting the reformulation of certain categories of HFSS food, promoting and developing consumer literacy for healthy food choices from a young age and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the area of promotion of healthy eating.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Evidence of a multi-sectoral national coordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health, Directorate-General for Health.
Find out more:eipas.pt
Linked document:Download linked document

Regional programme for the promotion of healthy food 2018-2020

Aims to improve the diet of the population.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2018-2020
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Autonomous region of Azores; Regional Health Secretary
Find out more:www.azores.gov.pt
Linked document:Download linked document
References:REGIÃO AUTÓNOMA DOS AÇORES: SECRETARIA REGIONAL DA SAÚDE. Programa Regional para a Promoção da Alimentação Saudável 2018-2020. Available from: https://www.azores.gov.pt/NR/rdonlyres/E2E99B2D-8DA9-46A4-BD87-C9222013C27F/1094952/pras.pdf. [Accessed 21 December 2018].

retrato da saude 2018 (Health portrait 2018)

In Portuguese

Categories:Evidence of NCD strategy
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Find out more:www.sns.gov.pt
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Ministario da Saude. retrato da saude 2018. Available from:https://www.sns.gov.pt/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/RETRATO-DA-SAUDE_2018_compressed.pdf [accessed july 2019].

2017 Obesity: Optimizing the Therapeutic Approach in the National Health Service

A document which aims to outline the obesity status in portugal, consider the best obesity indicators, provide guidelines for its treatment and outline the NHS's approach to treatment.

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Categories (partial):Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2017
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Directorate-General for Health
Find out more:alimentacaosaudavel.dgs.pt
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Camolas, J. et al. 2017. OBESIDADE: OTIMIZAÇÃO DA ABORDAGEM TERAPÊUTICA NO SERVIÇO NACIONAL DE SAÚDE. Lisboa, Portugal: Programa Nacional para a Promoção da Alimentação Saudável Direção-Geral da Saúde.

National Programme for the Promotion of Healthy Eating (PNPAS) 2017-2020

The National Programme for the Promotion of Healthy Eating (PNPAS) 2017-2020 continues from 2012, providing a national strategy to promote public health, improve nutrition, and reduce non-communicable disease risk factors. It has a particular focus on reducing childhood obesity.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Categories (partial):Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Evidence of NCD strategy
Year(s):2017-2020
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Directorate-General of Health
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Portugal. Ministério da Saúde. Direção-Geral da Saúde. Programa Nacional para a Promoção da Alimentação Saudável 2017 Lisboa: Direção-Geral da Saúde, 2017. [Last Accessed: 02.06.25]

National Programme for the Promotion of Physical Activity (PNPAF) 2017-2020

National physical activity strategy for Portugal from 2017

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2017-2020
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Linked document:Download linked document

NCD Country Profiles 2018 (Obesity Targets)

The profiles also provide data on the key metabolic risk factors, namely raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose and obesity and National Targets on Obesity (as of 2017)

Categories:Evidence of Obesity Target
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:World Health Organisation
References:Noncommunicable diseases country profiles 2018. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.

School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme

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

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

Sugary Drink Tax

Tax on beverages containing added sugar or other sweeteners. Including those intended for human consumption, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, falling within the combined nomenclature (CN) code 2202; and beverages falling within CN codes 2204, 2205, 2206 and 2208, concentrates in the form of syrup or powder intended for the preparation at the premises of the consumer or retailer of beverages containing added sugar or other sweetening matter (falling within CN code 2202).

Categories:Taxation/Subsidies on Food or Beverages or law relating to public health
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Find out more:ind.millenniumbcp.pt
Linked document:Download linked document

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

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

Categories:Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Find out more:extranet.who.int
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en Please note the GINA website has been replaced by the GIFNA database and the GINA link will no longer work. You will find this document by searching this new database: https://gifna.who.int/

National Programme for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Diseases

As part of the National Health Plan (PNS), the Directorate-General for Health set up a number of priority health programmes including the National Programme for Cerebro-Vascular Diseases. The programme is responsible for promoting the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of cerebro-cardiovascular diseases.

Categories:Evidence of NCD strategy
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Directorate-General for Health
Find out more:www.dgs.pt
Linked document:Download linked document

National Sports for All Programme Mexa-Se (Programa nacional de desporto para todos â Mexa-Se)

This program is part of the governmental strategy to increase physical activity and sports practice in the population. Objectives have been defined, including for example mobilizing inactive people to include physical activity into their daily routines. Activities are carried out with different partners, including for example a national physical activity day, bike tours and school projects

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:National Institute of Sports
Linked document:Download linked document

National Strategy for the Promotion of Physical Activity, Health and Well-being (ENPAF) 2016-2025

Portugal's national strategy to promote physical activity and decrease sedentary behaviour in order to improve health and increase disease-free life expectancy.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2016-2025
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Directorate-General for Health
Find out more:nutrimento.pt
Linked document:Download linked document

Food Industry Commitments on Diet, Physical Activity and Health: Advertising and marketing directed at children

Voluntary industry commitments to restrict marketing of unhealthy food to children, provide nutritional information, and reformulate products to offer a greater range of healthier foods.

Categories:Industry/Government regulations - voluntary /pledges
Categories (partial):Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2015
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Portuguese Food Industry Federation
Linked document:Download linked document

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

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

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

LUTA POR TI

One of the European Youth Tackling Obesity (EYTO) projects, the campaign title translates as 'fight for yourself' and is about taking the power and responsibility for your lifestyle choices. It is a campaign created by and for the young people and was launched via Facebook and Media (CNE Magazine), which they use to post content like; 'Hoje o Cozinheiro Sou Eu' , 'Soup Contest' and 'National Fighting Obesity Day'; tips and news.

Categories (partial):Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2013 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Find out more:www.eyto.org.uk

Come Devagar e Bem & Mexe-te também (Eating Slowly and Well & Move it)

The project "Eating Slowly and Well & Move it also" aim is to contribute to the promotion of a set of behaviours that reinforce the practice of healthy eating habits and physical activity in a group of children. The target population consists of children attending the 1st year of primary school in school year 2012/2013 the ACES Lisbon North School Park (Alvalade Benfica, Lumiar and Seven Rivers).

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2012 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Health Centres in North Lisbon with the support of the Health General Directorate
Linked document:Download linked document

National Programme for the Promotion of Healthy Eating (PNPAS) 2012-2016

Portugal's national nutrition and obesity strategy from 2012 to 2016

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2012-2016
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Directorate-General for Health
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Portugal. Direção-Geral da Saúde. Direção de Serviços de Informação e Análise Portugal – Alimentação Saudável em números – 2015. Available at: https://extranet.who.int/ncdccs/Data/PRT_B11_11_PNPAS%20em%20numeros%202015.pdf [Last accessed: 02.06.25]

Treatment of Pediatric Obesity (TOP) - A Multidisciplinary Approach Involving Adolescents and Their Peers (TOP)

A multi-disciplinary intervention aiming to treat obesity in adolescents, interventions include Interactive Sessions, Physical activity sessions and holiday camps and the presence of peers is predominant, indispensable and motivational in the context and the dynamics of development of activities.

Categories:Evidence of Multidisciplinary Intervention
Year(s):2012-2014
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Fonseca and Palmeira
Find out more:clinicaltrials.gov
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Available from https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02024061 [accessed 7th August 2019].

EU Regulation 1169/2011

Passed in 2011, EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 1October 2011.

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2011 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:European Parliament and the Council of the European Union
Find out more:eur-lex.europa.eu
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/22917 (last accessed 28.06.22) Please note the GINA website has been replaced by the GIFNA database and the GINA link will no longer work. You will find this document by searching this new database: https://gifna.who.int/

Evaluation of the EU school milk and fruit scheme

This report found that the EU School Milk Scheme has had a very limited real impact on schools, and makes recommendations based on its shortcomings for the EU School Fruit Scheme.

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

Growing up with Healthy Weight

The aim of this project was to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity in children 1 Viana do Alentejo municipality cycle during the academic years 2011-2015.

Categories (partial):Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2011-2015
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Directorate General of Health
Find out more:www.arsalentejo.min-saude.pt

Nutri Ventures

The Nutri Ventures project aims to create, through entertainment, a positive environment around the healthy eating theme, taking children to associate good feelings to healthy food and creating a unique opportunity for parents, teachers, nutritionists and other health professionals influence the diet of children.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2010 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Rodrigo Carvalho and Rui Lima Miranda
Find out more:nutri-ventures.com

Law No. 75/2009

In 2009, Law No. 75/2009 was amended in order to introduce a new maximum salt content level in bread products of 1.4g salt/100g.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2009 (ongoing)
References:https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/default/files/nutrition_physical_activity/docs/salt_report1_en.pdf

MUN-SI program

MUN-SI is an on-going community-based program which aims to tackle the problem of childhood malnutrition (obesity and thinness), seeking its prevention on continuous and sustainable actions developed during 1-4 years periods.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2009 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:CEIDSS -Center for Study and Research on Social Dynamics and Health
Find out more:mun-si.com
References:http://mun-si.com/programa/

Program Obesity Zero (POZ)

"A multi-component, community-, family- and school-based childhood obesity intervention. Parents and children attended four individual nutrition and physical activity counselling sessions, a one-day healthy cooking workshop and two school extracurricular sessions of nutrition education."

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2009 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Portuguese local health centres
References:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235796412_Program_Obesity_Zero_POZ_-_A_community-based_intervention_to_address_overweight_primary-school_children_from_five_Portuguese_municipalities

PASSE

"PASSE enables the promotion of healthy behaviors and the creation of health-promoting environments, training the entire school community in healthy eating. The rise in health literacy levels and responsible decisions result from a set of integrated health and education strategies, in which the PASSE is inserted...PASSE aims to promote knowledge and healthy eating behaviors, as well as to contribute to a health-promoting environment , especially with regard to food."

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2008 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Department of Public Health (DSP) of the Northern Regional Health Administration
References:https://passe.com.pt/

EU health and nutrient claims regulation

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

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

Food Wheel Guide

These recommendations are intended for the healthy Portuguese population in general and include the number of portions required for individual energy requirements.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2003 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Find out more:www.dgs.pt
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Procurement standards for the Operational Program to Support the Most Deprived (POAPMC)

Established in 2017, the Operational Program to Support the Most Deprived (POAPMC) distributes food to the most deprived people, reaching more than 80,000 beneficiaries, distributed among several regions. The POAPMC food baskets aim to ensure 50% of the daily energy and nutritional requirements of the beneficiaries. The POAPMC collaborates with the National Program for the Promotion of Healthy Eating (PNPAS) to ensure that the food supply is nutritionally adequate in accordance with the food-based dietary guidelines for the Portuguese population, known as the “Roda dos Alimentos” (Food Wheel) (see "I – Development and communication of food-based dietary guidelines"). In 2019, a series of measures to ensure variety in food baskets and minimise food waste were added. As a result, foods that are usually not present in the food aid models, such as varied meats, fish and vegetables, were included.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
References:https://policydatabase.wcrf.org/level_one?page=nourishing-level-one#step2=6#step3=338

No actions could be found for the above criteria.

Contextual factors

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

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

Labelling

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

Regulation and marketing

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

Political will and support

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

Monitoring and surveillance

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

Governance and resource

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

Key

Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown

Last updated June 23, 2023

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Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions

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