Saudi Arabia
High income
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Economic impact
- Policies
- Contextual factors
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National obesity risk *7/10This is a composite ‘obesity risk’ score (out of 10, the highest risk) based on obesity prevalence, rate of increase, likelihood of meeting the 2025 target, treatment indicator and childhood stunting levels.Childhood obesity risk *7.5/11This is a ‘risk score’ for each country’s likelihood of having or acquiring a major childhood obesity problem during the 2020s, taking account of current prevalence levels and risk for future obesity (based on stunting among infants, maternal obesity, maternal smoking, and breastfeeding rates).
Report cards
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Population breakdowns
Drivers
Comorbidities
Oesophageal cancer
Breast cancer
Colorectal cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Gallbladder cancer
Kidney cancer
Cancer of the uterus
Raised blood pressure
Raised cholesterol
Raised fasting blood glucose
Diabetes prevalence
Ovarian Cancer
Leukemia
Liver & bile duct cancer
Mulitple Myeloma
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
Thyroid Cancer
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Economic impact
Policies
National Obesity Strategy
Nutritional or Health Strategy
Marketing
Physical Activity
Tax/Subsidies on Food or Beverages
Community Interventions
Transnational Obesity Strategies
Labelling
NCD Strategy
Regulations (voluntary/pledges)
Health Effectiveness Reviews
Management or treatment guidelines
School Food Regulations
Breastfeeding
Obesity Target
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Contextual factors
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2024
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 73544 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | General Authority for Statistics. Health Determinants Statistics Publication 2024. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Riyadh. Available at: https://www.stats.gov.sa/documents/20117/2435259/Health+Determinants+Statistics+Publication+2024+EN.pdf [Accessed 19.06.25] |
| Notes: | Data from the National Health Survey, collected through computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI) |
| 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: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 7890 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2019 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia World Health Survey. https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Ministry/Statistics/Population-Health-Indicators/Documents/World-Health-Survey-Saudi-Arabia.pdf (Accessed 16.11.2021) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 10735 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Saudi Health Interview Survey (SHIS) |
| Notes: | NB. Combined adult data estimated. These estimates were calculated by weighting male and female survey results. Weighting based on World Bank Population % total female 2019 (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.FE.ZS - accessed 08.10.20)' |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2005
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25-64 |
| Sample size: | 3571 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Al-Hamdan, NA; Kutbi, A; Choudhry AJ; Nooh R; Shoukri M; Mujib, SA.WHO Stepwise approach to NCD Surveillance Country-Specific Standard Report Saudi Arabia (2005) Ministry of Health Saudia Arabia in colaboration with WHO, EMRO |
| Notes: | Data for 15-24yrs also available |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1995-2000
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 30+ |
| Sample size: | 17223 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Mansour Al-Nozha, et al. (2005). Obesity in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Medical Journal, 26:824 - 829. WHO Infobase. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1989-1994
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 6253 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Osman AK, Al-Nozha MM. Risk factors of coronary artery disease in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Eastern Mediterranean health Journal;6:465-474 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2024
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 2-14 |
| Sample size: | 79723 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | General Authority for Statistics. Health Determinants Statistics Publication 2024. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Riyadh. Available at: https://www.stats.gov.sa/documents/20117/2435259/Health+Determinants+Statistics+Publication+2024+EN.pdf [Accessed 19.06.25] |
| Notes: | Data from the Woman and Child Health Survey 2024, collected through computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI). Sample size includes adult women not shown in this data. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2020-2022
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-19 |
| Sample size: | 1134317 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Alhamed, A., Al-Zeer, A., Alsaawi, F., Alshaikh, A., Alzaher, A., Alkattan, A., Alrasheed, N., Sagor, K., Alsalem, E., Ibrahim, M. and Alfaleh, A., 2023. The shifting patterns of childhood obesity: Insights from national school screening data. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, p.101862. |
| Definitions: | Growth Charts for Saudi Children and Adolescents. BMI data were plotted on Saudi’s sex-specific percentile charts and categorized into four groups: underweight (less than the 5th percentile), normal weight (5th percentile to less than 85th percentile), overweight (85th to less than 95th percentile), obese (95th percentile or greater), and severe obesity (120% of the 95th percentile or greater) |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2018-2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-14 |
| Sample size: | 444259 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Al Daajani, Manal M., Dina M. Al-Habib, Mona H. Ibrahim, Nora A. Al Shewear, Yahya M. Fagihi, Abrar A. Alzaher, Amjad F. Alfaleh, and Khaled I. Alabdulkareem 2021. "Prevalence of Health Problems Targeted by the National School-Based Screening Program among Primary School Students in Saudi Arabia, 2019" Healthcare 9, no. 10: 1310. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9101310 |
| Definitions: | BMI data were plotted on Saudi’s sexâ€specific percentile charts and categorized into four groups: underweight (less than 5th percentile); normal weight (between 5th percentile and 85th percentile); overweight (between 85th and 95th percentile); and obesity (more than 95th percentile) |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2017-2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10-19 |
| Sample size: | 220842 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Ibrahim, M., Albwardi, S., Alzaher, A., Nahhas, M. and Alabdulkareem, K., 2021. School-Based Body Mass Index Survey: A national study of Obesity Prevalence among School Students in Saudi Arabia, 2018: Obesity Prevalence among School Students in Saudi Arabia, 2018. Journal of Health Informatics in Developing Countries, 15(2). |
| Definitions: | BMI data were plotted on Saudi’s sexâ€specific percentile charts. |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2017-2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-13 |
| Sample size: | 2169 |
| Area covered: | Riyadh and Jeddah |
| References: | Al-Hazzaa, H.M. et al. (2022). Prevalence of overweight and obesity among saudi children: A comparison of two widely used international standards and the national growth references. Frontiers in Endocrinology, [online] 13. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.954755 |
| Notes: | WHO and KSA cut-off data also available in article |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-16 |
| Sample size: | 7930 |
| Area covered: | Regional |
| References: | Al-Hussaini A, Bashir MS, Khormi M, et al. Overweight and obesity among Saudi children and adolescents: Where do we stand today?. Saudi J Gastroenterol. 2019;25(4):229–235. doi:10.4103/sjg.SJG_617_18 |
| Notes: | Region: Riyadh City (urban), WHO 2007 Cut Off |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2013-2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-18 |
| Sample size: | 968 |
| Area covered: | Subnational (Dammam) |
| References: | Musaiger A.O et al. 2016. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in eight Arab countries: comparison between two international standards (ARABEAT-2). Nutr Hosp. 33(5). pp. 1062-1065. |
| Notes: | IOTF cut-offs used NOTE: 2016 data available, sample size (1109). Al-Ghamdi et al. 2018. Prevalence of overweight and obesity based on the body mass index; a cross-sectional study in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia. Lipids in Health and Disease. 17 (134). Doi: 10.1186/s12944-018-0778-5. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2005
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 13-17 |
| Sample size: | 19317 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | El Mouzan MI, Foster PJ, Al Herbish AS et al. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Saudi children and adolescents. Ann Saudi Med. 2010 May-Jun; 30(3): 203–208. |
| Notes: | WHO 2007 Cut OFF. Not IOTF Cut off. Comparison with CDC cut off also available |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 1994-1998
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-17 |
| Sample size: | 12698 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Elhazmi Mohsen AF and Warsy AS. (2002). The prevalence of overweight and obesity in 1 - 18 years-old Saudi Children. Annuals Saudi Medicals, 22(5-6):303 - 307. |
| 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, 2020
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 2645 |
| References: | Surveillance: Saudi Arabia Nutrition Surveillance 2020 |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 2019
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 5181 |
| References: | Surveillance: Saudi Arabia Nutrition Surveillance 2019 |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 2018
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 5954 |
| References: | Surveillance: Saudi Arabia Health Monitoring System (2018 Extract) |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 2017
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 6784 |
| References: | Surveillance: Saudi Arabia Health Monitoring System (2017 Extract) |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 2016
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 4797 |
| References: | Surveillance: Saudi Arabia Nutrition Surveillance 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 |
0-5 years, 2015
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 6890 |
| References: | Surveillance: Saudi Arabia Nutrition Surveillance 2015 |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 2004-2005
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 15601 |
| References: | Other: Growth charts for Saudi children and adolescents. Saudi Medical Journal 2007;28:1555-68 |
| Notes: | UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates Expanded Database: Overweight (Survey Estimates), May 2023, New York. For more information about the methodology, please consult https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-2023-country-consultations/ Percentage of children under 5 years of age falling above 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population. |
| Definitions: | =>+2SD |
0-5 years, 1994
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 23821 |
| References: | Other: Comparison of the growth standards between Saudi and American children aged 0-5 years. Saudi Medical Journal 2003;24:598-602 [Erratum Saudi Medical Journal 2003;24:1032] |
| 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 |
Obesity prevalence in Saudi Arabia adults, 1989-2019
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1989: Osman AK, Al-Nozha MM. Risk factors of coronary artery disease in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Eastern Mediterranean health Journal;6:465-474 2013: Saudi Health Interview Survey (SHIS) 2019: 2019 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia World Health Survey. https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Ministry/Statistics/Population-Health-Indicators/Documents/World-Health-Survey-Saudi-Arabia.pdf (Accessed 16.11.2021) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1989: Osman AK, Al-Nozha MM. Risk factors of coronary artery disease in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Eastern Mediterranean health Journal;6:465-474 2013: Saudi Health Interview Survey (SHIS) 2019: 2019 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia World Health Survey. https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Ministry/Statistics/Population-Health-Indicators/Documents/World-Health-Survey-Saudi-Arabia.pdf (Accessed 16.11.2021) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Overweight/obesity by education
Adults, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 7890 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2019 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia World Health Survey. https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Ministry/Statistics/Population-Health-Indicators/Documents/World-Health-Survey-Saudi-Arabia.pdf (Accessed 16.11.2021) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2017-2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-13 |
| Sample size: | 2169 |
| Area covered: | Riyadh and Jeddah |
| References: | Al-Hazzaa, H.M. et al. (2022). Prevalence of overweight and obesity among saudi children: A comparison of two widely used international standards and the national growth references. Frontiers in Endocrinology, [online] 13. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.954755 |
| Notes: | WHO and KSA cut-offs also available in article |
| Definitions: | Highest level of maternal education |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-16 |
| Sample size: | 1243 |
| Area covered: | Riyadh |
| References: | Al Alwan İ, Al Fattani A, Longford N. The Effect of Parental Socioeconomic Class on Children’s Body Mass Indices. Journal of Clinical Research in Pediatric Endocrinology. 2013;5(2):110-115. doi:10.4274/Jcrpe.898. |
| Notes: | Prevalence of overweight and obesity by Fathers Education Obesity and overweight were defined using the WHO 2007 growth standards. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Overweight/obesity by age
Adults, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 7890 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2019 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia World Health Survey. https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Ministry/Statistics/Population-Health-Indicators/Documents/World-Health-Survey-Saudi-Arabia.pdf (Accessed 16.11.2021) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 10735 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Saudi Health Interview Survey (SHIS) 2013. Ministry of Health. http://www.healthdata.org/sites/default/files/files/Projects/KSA/Saudi-Health-Interview-Survey-Results.pdf (last accessed 2 August 2016) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2024
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Sample size: | 79723 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | General Authority for Statistics. Health Determinants Statistics 2024. Available at: https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/statistics-tabs/-/categories/123842?tab=436312&category=123842 [Accessed 19.06.25] |
| Notes: | Data from the Woman and Child Health Survey 2024. Sample size includes adult women not shown in this data. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2016-2021
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 337,316 |
| Area covered: | Subnational |
| References: | AlEnazi, S. et al. (2023). Prevalence of Obesity among Children and Adolescents in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, [online] 11(1), pp.19–25. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/sjmms.sjmms_417_22 |
| Notes: | The sample included children and adolescents who visited any healthcare facility within the National Guard Health System (5 hospitals and 24 primary care centers) across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between 2016 and 2021. The five hospitals were in Riyadh, the Eastern Province (Dammam and Al Ahsa), Jeddah, and Madinah; there were no hospital or primary care centers in the Northern region. Children and adolescents with outlier anthropometric measurements, such as height >190 cm and weight <3 kg or >190 kg, were excluded. |
| Definitions: | Growth Charts for Saudi Children and Adolescents. BMI data were plotted on Saudi sex- and age-specific growth charts and categorized into four groups: underweight (<5th percentile), normal weight (5th to <85th percentile), overweight (≥85th to <95th percentile), and obese (≥95th). |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 7056 |
| Area covered: | Eastern Province |
| References: | Al-Dossary SS, Sarkis PE, Hassan A, Ezz El Regal M, Fouda AE. Obesity in Saudi children: a dangerous reality. East Mediterr Health J. 2010 Sep;16(9):1003-8. |
| Notes: | This study used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2000 growth charts to define BMI. The children were classified into 3 weight categories: normal weight (BMI < 85th percentile for age and sex), overweight(BMI between 85th–95th percentiles) and obese (BMI > 95th percentile). |
| Cutoffs: | CDC |
Overweight/obesity by region
Adults, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 7890 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2019 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia World Health Survey. https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Ministry/Statistics/Population-Health-Indicators/Documents/World-Health-Survey-Saudi-Arabia.pdf (Accessed 16.11.2021) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2020-2022
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-19 |
| Sample size: | 1134317 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Alhamed, A., Al-Zeer, A., Alsaawi, F., Alshaikh, A., Alzaher, A., Alkattan, A., Alrasheed, N., Sagor, K., Alsalem, E., Ibrahim, M. and Alfaleh, A., 2023. The shifting patterns of childhood obesity: Insights from national school screening data. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, p.101862. |
| Definitions: | Growth Charts for Saudi Children and Adolescents. BMI data were plotted on Saudi’s sex-specific percentile charts and categorized into four groups: underweight (less than the 5th percentile), normal weight (5th percentile to less than 85th percentile), overweight (85th to less than 95th percentile), obese (95th percentile or greater), and severe obesity (120% of the 95th percentile or greater) |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Boys, 2009-2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 14-19 |
| Sample size: | 2,908 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Al-Hazzaa, Abahussain, Al-Sobayel, Qahwaji, Alsulaiman, and Musaiger. 2014. Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, and Abdominal Obesity among Urban Saudi Adolescents: Gender and Regional Variations. J Health Popul Nutr. 32(4). pp. 634-645. |
| Notes: | IOTF cut-offs used. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Girls, 2009-2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 14-19 |
| Sample size: | 2,908 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Al-Hazzaa, Abahussain, Al-Sobayel, Qahwaji, Alsulaiman, and Musaiger. 2014. Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, and Abdominal Obesity among Urban Saudi Adolescents: Gender and Regional Variations. J Health Popul Nutr. 32(4). pp. 634-645. |
| Notes: | IOTF cut-offs used. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group
Adults, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 7890 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2019 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia World Health Survey. https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Ministry/Statistics/Population-Health-Indicators/Documents/World-Health-Survey-Saudi-Arabia.pdf (Accessed 16.11.2021) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2017-2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-13 |
| Sample size: | 2169 |
| Area covered: | Riyadh and Jeddah |
| References: | Al-Hazzaa, H.M. et al. (2022). Prevalence of overweight and obesity among saudi children: A comparison of two widely used international standards and the national growth references. Frontiers in Endocrinology, [online] 13. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.954755 |
| Notes: | WHO and KSA cut-off data also available in article |
| Definitions: | Annual family income in Saudi Riyal (SR) |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-16 |
| Sample size: | 1243 |
| Area covered: | Riyadh |
| References: | Al Alwan İ, Al Fattani A, Longford N. The Effect of Parental Socioeconomic Class on Children’s Body Mass Indices. Journal of Clinical Research in Pediatric Endocrinology. 2013;5(2):110-115. doi:10.4274/Jcrpe.898. |
| Notes: | Prevalence of overweight and obesity by Income (Saudi Riyal/Month). Obesity and overweight were defined using the WHO 2007 growth standards. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
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.
Adults, 2024
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 73544 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | General Authority for Statistics. Health Determinants Statistics 2024. Available at: https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/statistics-tabs/-/categories/123842?tab=436312&category=123842 [Accessed 19.06.25] |
| Notes: | Data from National Health Survey 2024 |
| Definitions: | Nationality: Saudi or Non-Saudi |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2024
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 73544 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | General Authority for Statistics. Health Determinants Statistics 2024. Available at: https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/statistics-tabs/-/categories/123842?tab=436312&category=123842 [Accessed 19.06.25] |
| Notes: | Data from National Health Survey 2024 |
| Definitions: | Nationality: Saudi or Non-Saudi |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2024
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 73544 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | General Authority for Statistics. Health Determinants Statistics 2024. Available at: https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/statistics-tabs/-/categories/123842?tab=436312&category=123842 [Accessed 19.06.25] |
| Notes: | Data from National Health Survey 2024 |
| Definitions: | Nationality: Saudi or Non-Saudi |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2024
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 2-14 |
| Sample size: | 79723 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 'Body Mass Index (BMI) among children (2 - 14 years) by sex and nationality ' in General Authority for Statistics, Health Determinants Statistics 2024. Available at: https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/statistics-tabs/-/categories/123842?tab=436312&category=123842 [Accessed 19.06.25] |
| Notes: | Data from the Woman and Child Health Survey 2024. Sample size includes adult women not shown in this data. |
| Definitions: | Nationality: Saudi or Non-Saudi |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Boys, 2024
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 2-14 |
| Sample size: | 79723 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 'Body Mass Index (BMI) among children (2 - 14 years) by sex and nationality ' in General Authority for Statistics, Health Determinants Statistics 2024. Available at: https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/statistics-tabs/-/categories/123842?tab=436312&category=123842 [Accessed 19.06.25] |
| Notes: | Data from the Woman and Child Health Survey 2024. Sample size includes adult women not shown in this data. |
| Definitions: | Nationality: Saudi or Non-Saudi |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Girls, 2024
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 2-14 |
| Sample size: | 79723 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 'Body Mass Index (BMI) among children (2 - 14 years) by sex and nationality ' in General Authority for Statistics, Health Determinants Statistics 2024. Available at: https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/statistics-tabs/-/categories/123842?tab=436312&category=123842 [Accessed 19.06.25] |
| Notes: | Data from the Woman and Child Health Survey 2024. Sample size includes adult women not shown in this data. |
| Definitions: | Nationality: Saudi or Non-Saudi |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
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, 2020-2020
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 0-5 |
| References: | UNICEF data available at https://data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/malnutrition/(last accessed 12.03.25) |
| Notes: | Children under 5 falling below -2 standard deviations from the median height for age and falling at or above +2 standard deviations from the median weight-for-height of the reference population |
Insufficient physical activity
Adults, 2022
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | WHO (2024). Prevalence of insufficient physical activity among adults aged 18-years age-standardized estimate in 2022. Available at https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/prevalence-of-insufficient-physical-activity-among-adults-aged-18-years-(age-standardized-estimate)-(-) |
| Definitions: | Percent of population attaining less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or less than 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or equivalent. |
Men, 2022
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | WHO (2024). Prevalence of insufficient physical activity among adults aged 18-years age-standardized estimate in 2022. Available at https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/prevalence-of-insufficient-physical-activity-among-adults-aged-18-years-(age-standardized-estimate)-(-) |
| Definitions: | Percent of population attaining less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or less than 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or equivalent. |
Women, 2022
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | WHO (2024). Prevalence of insufficient physical activity among adults aged 18-years age-standardized estimate in 2022. Available at https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/prevalence-of-insufficient-physical-activity-among-adults-aged-18-years-(age-standardized-estimate)-(-) |
| Definitions: | Percent of population attaining less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or less than 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or equivalent. |
Adults, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Men, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Women, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Estimated per capita fruit intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day) |
Estimated per-capita processed meat intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day) |
Estimated per capita whole grains intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day) |
Mental health - depression disorders
Adults, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depression per 100,000 population (adults 20+ years) |
Men, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depression per 100,000 population (adults 20+ years) |
Women, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depression per 100,000 population (adults 20+ years) |
Adults, 2015-2021
| 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 |
Adults, 2015-2021
| 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 |
Men, 2015-2021
| 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 |
Women, 2015-2021
| 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 |
Children, 2021
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depressive disorder per 100,000 population (Under 20 years of age) |
Boys, 2021
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depressive disorder per 100,000 population (Under 20 years of age) |
Girls, 2021
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
| Definitions: | Number living with depressive disorder per 100,000 population (Under 20 years of age) |
Mental health - anxiety disorders
Adults, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25). |
| Definitions: | Number living with anxiety per 100,000 population |
Men, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25). |
| Definitions: | Number living with anxiety per 100,000 population |
Women, 2021
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25). |
| Definitions: | Number living with anxiety per 100,000 population |
Adults, 2015-2021
| 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 |
Adults, 2015-2021
| 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 |
Men, 2015-2021
| 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 |
Women, 2015-2021
| 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 |
Children, 2021
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
Boys, 2021
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
Girls, 2021
| References: | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2023. Available from http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare. (Last accessed 23.04.25) |
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 10.01.2307 |
| 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 10.01.2307 |
| 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 10.01.2307 |
| 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 10.01.2307 |
| 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 10.01.2307 |
| 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 10.01.2307 |
| 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 10.01.2307 |
| 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 10.01.2307 |
| 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 10.01.2307 |
| 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 10.01.2307 |
| 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 10.01.2307 |
| 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
Policies, Interventions and Actions
Contextual factors
Disclaimer: These contextual factors should be interpreted with care. Results are updated as regularly as possible and use very specific criteria. The criteria used and full definitions are available for download at the bottom of this page.
Tap on a tick to find out more about policies influencing this factor.
Labelling
| Is there mandatory nutrition labelling? | Present |
| Front-of-package labelling? | Present |
| Back-of-pack nutrition declaration? | Present |
| Color coding? | Present |
| 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)? | Present |
| Are there any mandatory policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children? | Absent |
| Mandatory restriction on broadcast media? | Absent |
| Mandatory restriction on non-broadcast media? | Absent |
| Voluntary policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children? | Present-(voluntary) |
| Are there mandatory standards for food in schools? | Absent |
| Are there any mandatory nutrient limits in any manufactured food products? | Present |
| Nutrition standards for public sector procurement? | Absent |
Political will and support
| National obesity strategy or nutrition and physical activity national strategy? | Present |
| National obesity strategy? | Present |
| National childhood obesity strategy? | Absent |
| Comprehensive nutrition strategy? | Present |
| Comprehensive physical activity strategy? | Present |
| Evidence-based dietary guidelines and/or RDAs? | Present |
| National target(s) on reducing obesity? | 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 20, 2025
Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions
