• Overview
  • Obesity prevalence
  • Trends over time
  • Population breakdowns
  • Policies
  • Contextual factors
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Obesity prevalence

Adults, 2022

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:3510
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2022. Available at https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2022-volume-1-main-report/pages/12/ (last accessed 05.12.23)
Notes:The first two months of the suvey results were based on interview, the remaining period was measured. A correction formula was put in place to adjust for the self report response.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2021

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:16+
Sample size:4557
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2021: main report. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/statistics/2022/11/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report/documents/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report/govscot%3Adocument/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report.pdf (Last accessed 09.11.2022)
Notes:BMI calculations have been adjusted to allow for comparison with previous years.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2020

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:16+
Sample size:1920
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey – telephone survey – August/September 2020: main report. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-telephone-survey-august-september-2020-main-report/. Last accessed: 11.05.21.
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:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:3889
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2019. https://www.gov.scot/collections/scottish-health-survey/ (last accessed 30.09.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:3726
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Government. (2018). Scottish Health Survey 2018. Available: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2018-volume-1-main-report/ (Last accessed 24.09.19)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:3697
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Government. (2017). Scottish Health Survey 2017. Available: https://www.gov.scot/Resource/0054/00540654.pdf. Last accessed 3rd Oct 2018.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2016

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:4323
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2016 (http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2017/10/2970/downloads last accessed 3rd October 2017) Link to Key stats report - http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0052/00525366.pdf Link to Main Report - http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0052/00525472.pdf
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:16+
Sample size:4118
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2015 (https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0050/00505713.xls last accessed 8th Jan 2017)
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:16+
Sample size:4099
Area covered:4099
References:Scottish Health Survey http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/12/9982/downloads (last accessed 9th December 2013)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2012

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:4097
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0043/00434590.pdf
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2010

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:4922
Area covered:Representative of Scotland
References:Scottish Health Survey 2010 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/27084018/0
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2008

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:4115
Area covered:National
References:Bromley C, Bradshaw P and Given L. (2009). 2008 Scottish Health Survey, Volume 1. The Scottish Government, Edinburgh.
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

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:6675
References:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/11/25145024/50251
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 1998

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:7455
References:Scottish Health Survey 1998
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2022

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:712
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2022. Available at https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2022-volume-1-main-report/pages/12/ (last accessed 05.12.23)
Notes:The first two months of the suvey results were based on interview, the remaining period was measured. A correction formula was put in place to adjust for the self report response.
Cutoffs:85th/95th Centile

Children, 2021

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:2-15
Sample size:1600
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2021: main report. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/statistics/2022/11/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report/documents/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report/govscot%3Adocument/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report.pdf (Last accessed 09.11.2022)
Notes:Based on unadjusted, self-reported height and weight.
Definitions:Not IOTF Cut off. 85th & 95th Percentiles

Children, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1345
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2019. https://www.gov.scot/collections/scottish-health-survey/. Last accessed: 13.05.21.
Cutoffs:UK90

Children, 2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1292
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Government. (2018). Scottish Health Survey 2018. Available: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2018-volume-1-main-report/ (Last accessed 24.09.19)
Notes:Not IOTF Cut off. 85th & 95th Percentiles
Cutoffs:Other

Children, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1603
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Government. (2017). Scottish Health Survey 2017. Available: https://www.gov.scot/Resource/0054/00540654.pdf. Last accessed 3rd Oct 2018.
Cutoffs:Other

Children, 2016

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1075
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2016, Statistics available online at http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Health/scottish-health-survey/Publications/Supplementary2015/Supplementary2016 (last accessed 2nd November 2017)
Notes:85th/95th Centile
Cutoffs:Other

Children, 2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:952
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2015. (http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Health/scottish-health-survey/Publications/Supplementary2015)
Notes:Smaller sample size <1000 (952) Percentile cut off 85-95th Overweight =>95th Obese =>98th Morbidly obese
Cutoffs:Other

Children, 2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:11
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2013, Data analysed by Danielle Sharfman (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Rachel Jackson Leach on behalf of the World Obesity Federation
Notes:IOTF International Cut off points used. Using WHO cut off 32.9% boys either overweight or obese, 30% girls overweight or obese
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2012

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1274
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2012 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0043/00434590.pdf
Notes:85th Centile
Cutoffs:Other

Children, 2010

Survey type:Measured
Age:14-16
Sample size:1232 (whole sample 2-16yrs)
Area covered:National (Scotland)
References:Scottish Health Survey (data re-analysed by IASO)
Notes:IOTF Child Cut Off points
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 1994

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-11
Sample size:30744 = Total number included from Scotland and England for the duration of the study
References:Chinn S, Rona RJ. Prevalence and trends inoverweight and obesity in three cross sectional studies of British children, 1974-94. BMJ (2001);322:24-26
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

Children, 1984

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-11
Sample size:30744 = Total number included from Scotland and England for the duration of the study
References:Chinn S, Rona RJ. Prevalence and trends inoverweight and obesity in three cross sectional studies of British children, 1974-94. BMJ (2001);322:24-26
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

Children, 1974

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-11
Sample size:30755 = Total number included from Scotland and England for the duration of the study
References:Chinn S, Rona RJ. Prevalence and trends inoverweight and obesity in three cross sectional studies of British children, 1974-94. BMJ (2001);322:24-26
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

Overweight/obesity by education

Children, 2014-2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:10
Sample size:2750
Area covered:National
References:Growing up in Scotland: overweight and obesity at age 10 (2018). Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/growing-up-scotland-overweight-obesity-age-10/. Last accessed: 14.04.21.
Notes:At or above 85th percentile and below 95th percentile: overweight At or above 95th percentile: obesity

Overweight/obesity by age

Adults, 2022

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:3510
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2022. Available at https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2022-volume-1-main-report/pages/12/ (last accessed 05.12.23)
Notes:The first two months of the suvey results were based on interview, the remaining period was measured. A correction formula was put in place to adjust for the self report response.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2021

Survey type:Self-reported
Sample size:4557
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2021: main report. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/statistics/2022/11/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report/documents/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report/govscot%3Adocument/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report.pdf (Last accessed 09.11.2022)
Notes:BMI calculations have been adjusted to allow for comparison with previous years.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2020

Survey type:Self-reported
Sample size:1920
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey – telephone survey – August/September 2020: main report. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-telephone-survey-august-september-2020-main-report/. Last accessed: 11.05.21.
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:Measured
Sample size:3889
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2019. Available at https://www.gov.scot/collections/scottish-health-survey/ (last accessed 30.09.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:3697
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Government. (2017). Scottish Health Survey 2017. Available: https://www.gov.scot/Resource/0054/00540654.pdf. Last accessed 3rd Oct 2018.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2016

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:1561
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2016. http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2017/10/2970/downloads
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
Sample size:4118
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2015 (https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0050/00505713.xls last accessed 8th Jan 2017)
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:4107
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2013
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2022

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:712
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2022. Available at https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2022-volume-1-main-report/pages/12/ (last accessed 05.12.23)
Notes:The first two months of the suvey results were based on interview, the remaining period was measured. A correction formula was put in place to adjust for the self report response.
Cutoffs:85th/95th Centile

Children, 2021

Survey type:Self-reported
Sample size:1600
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2021: main report. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/statistics/2022/11/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report/documents/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report/govscot%3Adocument/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report.pdf (Last accessed 09.11.2022
Notes:Based on unadjusted, self-reported height and weight.
Definitions:Not IOTF Cut off. 85th & 95th Percentiles

Children, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:1345
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2019. Scottish Health Survey 2019. https://www.gov.scot/collections/scottish-health-survey/. Last accessed: 13.05.21.
Cutoffs:UK90

Children, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:1603
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Government. (2017). Scottish Health Survey 2017. Available: https://www.gov.scot/Resource/0054/00540654.pdf. Last accessed 3rd Oct 2018.
Cutoffs:Other

Children, 2016

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:1075
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2016 http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Health/scottish-health-survey
Notes:=> 85th Centile Overweight or obese
Cutoffs:Other

Children, 2013

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:1347
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2013
Notes:NOT IOTF International Cut off Overweight 85-95th Centile Obese => 95th Centile
Cutoffs:Other

Overweight/obesity by region

Men, 2016-2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2016-2019 https://scotland.shinyapps.io/sg-scottish-health-survey/ (accessed 16.01.24)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2016-2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2016-2019 https://scotland.shinyapps.io/sg-scottish-health-survey/ (accessed 16.01.24)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2014-2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:8933
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey: local area results 2014-17 combined (2018). Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-results-local-areas-2014-2015-2016-2017/. Last accessed: 14.04.21.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2014-2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:8933
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey: local area results 2014-17 combined (2018). Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-results-local-areas-2014-2015-2016-2017/. Last accessed: 14.04.21.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2018-2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:44789
Area covered:National
References:NHS Scotland. Body Mass Index of Primary 1 Children in Scotland School Year 2018/19, (2019). Available at: https://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Child-Health/Publications/2019-12-10/2019-12-10-P1-BMI-Statistics-Publication-Report.pdf?. (Data extracted from supplementary table). Last accessed: 15.04.21.
Definitions:At risk of overweight (BMI>=85th and <95th centile) At risk of obesity (BMI>=95th)

Boys, 2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-17
Sample size:1018
Area covered:National (but small sample)
References:Scottish Health Survey 2015, Renanalysis by R Jackson Leach of the World Obesity Federation
Notes:IOTF International cut off NB SMALL SAMPLE SIZES & COMBINED REGIONS
Cutoffs:IOTF

Girls, 2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-17
Sample size:1018
Area covered:National (but small sample)
References:Scottish Health Survey 2015, Renanalysis by R Jackson Leach of the World Obesity Federation
Notes:IOTF International cut off NB SMALL SAMPLE SIZES & COMBINED REGIONS
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group

Men, 2022

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:3510
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2022. Available at https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2022-volume-1-main-report/pages/12/ (last accessed 05.12.23)
Notes:The first two months of the suvey results were based on interview, the remaining period was measured. A correction formula was put in place to adjust for the self report response.
Definitions:Scottish Index of Deprivation 5th Least deprived, 1st Most deprived
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:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:3510
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2022. Available at https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2022-volume-1-main-report/pages/12/ (last accessed 05.12.23)
Notes:The first two months of the suvey results were based on interview, the remaining period was measured. A correction formula was put in place to adjust for the self report response.
Definitions:Scottish Index of Deprivation 5th Least deprived, 1st Most deprived
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:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:3939
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2019. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2019-volume-1-main-report/. Data from Scottish Health Survey 2019 supplementary tables. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2019-supplementary-tables/. Last accessed 14.04.21.
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:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:3939
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2019. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2019-volume-1-main-report/. Data from Scottish Health Survey 2019 supplementary tables. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2019-supplementary-tables/. Last accessed 14.04.21.
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:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:3697
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Government. (2017). Scottish Health Survey 2017. Available: https://www.gov.scot/Resource/0054/00540654.pdf. Last accessed 3rd Oct 2018.
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:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:3697
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Government. (2017). Scottish Health Survey 2017. Available: https://www.gov.scot/Resource/0054/00540654.pdf. Last accessed 3rd Oct 2018.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2016

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:3583
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2016. http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2017/10/2970/downloads
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2016

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:3583
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2016. http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2017/10/2970/downloads
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:16+
Sample size:4118
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2015 (https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0050/00505713.xls last accessed 8th Jan 2017)
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:16+
Sample size:4118
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2015 (https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0050/00505713.xls last accessed 8th Jan 2017)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:4107
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2013. http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2014/12/9982/0 (last accessed 24 Sept 2015)
Notes:Occupation
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:4107
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2013. http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2014/12/9982/0 (last accessed 24 Sept 2015)
Notes:Occupation
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:4107
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2013. http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2014/12/9982/0 (last accessed 24 Sept 2015)
Notes:Income
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:4107
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2013. http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2014/12/9982/0 (last accessed 24 Sept 2015)
Notes:Income
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:4107
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2013. http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2014/12/9982/0 (last accessed 24 Sept 2015)
Notes:Deprivation
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:4107
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2013. http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2014/12/9982/0 (last accessed 24 Sept 2015)
Notes:Deprivation
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Boys, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1345
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2019. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2019-volume-1-main-report/. Data from Scottish Health Survey 2019 supplementary tables. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2019-supplementary-tables/. Last accessed 14.04.21.
Notes:SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) Quintiles 5 Least Deprived - 1 Most Deprived
Cutoffs:UK90

Girls, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1345
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2019. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2019-volume-1-main-report/. Data from Scottish Health Survey 2019 supplementary tables. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2019-supplementary-tables/. Last accessed 14.04.21.
Notes:SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) Quintiles 5 Least Deprived - 1 Most Deprived
Cutoffs:UK90

Boys, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1603
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Government. (2017). Scottish Health Survey 2017. Available: https://www.gov.scot/Resource/0054/00540654.pdf. Last accessed 3rd Oct 2018.
Cutoffs:Other

Girls, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1603
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Government. (2017). Scottish Health Survey 2017. Available: https://www.gov.scot/Resource/0054/00540654.pdf. Last accessed 3rd Oct 2018.
Cutoffs:Other

Boys, 2016

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1075
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2016 http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Health/scottish-health-survey
Notes:SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) Quintiles 5 Least Deprived - 1 Most Deprived Not IOTF Cut off => 85th Centile overweight or obese
Cutoffs:Other

Girls, 2016

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1075
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2016 http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Health/scottish-health-survey
Notes:SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) Quintiles 5 Least Deprived - 1 Most Deprived Not IOTF Cut off => 85th Centile overweight or obese
Cutoffs:Other

Boys, 2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1308
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2013. http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2014/12/9982/0 (last accessed 24 Sept 2015)
Notes:Deprivation Overweight (>= 85th %ile to < 95th %ile) Obese (>= 95th %ile)
Cutoffs:Other

Girls, 2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1308
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2013. http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2014/12/9982/0 (last accessed 24 Sept 2015)
Notes:Deprivation Overweight (>= 85th %ile to < 95th %ile) Obese (>= 95th %ile)
Cutoffs:Other

Boys, 2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1308
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2013. http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2014/12/9982/0 (last accessed 24 Sept 2015)
Notes:Overweight (>= 85th to < 95th Percentile) Obese (>= 95th Perentiile)
Cutoffs:Other

Girls, 2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1308
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2013. http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2014/12/9982/0 (last accessed 24 Sept 2015)
Notes:Overweight (>= 85th to < 95th Percentile) Obese (>= 95th Perentiile)
Cutoffs:Other

Boys, 2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1308
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2013
Notes:Income Overweight (>= 85th to < 95th Percentile) Obese (>= 95th Percentile)
Cutoffs:Other

Girls, 2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:2-15
Sample size:1308
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey 2013
Notes:Income Overweight (>= 85th to < 95th Percentile) Obese (>= 95th Percentile)
Cutoffs:Other

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, 2008-2011

Survey type:Measured
Age:16+
Sample size:23994
Area covered:National
References:Scottish Health Survey - topic report: equality groups (2012). Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-topic-report-equality-groups/pages/34/. Last Accessed: 14.04.21.
Notes:Ethnic groups as defined by the survey of origin.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2010-2011

Survey type:Measured
Age:5-6
Sample size:2931
Area covered:National
References:Growing up in Scotland: overweight obesity and activity (2012). Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/growing-up-scotland-report-overweight-obesity-activity/pages/8/. Last accessed: 26.04.21.
Notes:Ethnic groups as defined by survey of origin.
Cutoffs:UK90

Policies, Interventions and Actions

Advertising and Sponsorship Policy (UK-wide policy)

The Advertising and Sponsorship Policy approved by Bristol City Council restricts the marketing of food and drinks high in fat, sugar and/or salt. The policy covers all advertising generated by the Council itself and advertising and sponsorship by third parties on Bristol City Council-owned sites.

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2021 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Bristol City Council
Linked document:Download linked document
References:https://news.bristol.gov.uk/news/new-rules-to-reduce-unhealthy-food-ads-in-bristol#:~:text=Under%20the%20policy%2C%20ads%20that,sites%20such%20as%20bus%20shelters.

Turning the Tide: A 10-year Healthy Weight Strategy (UK-wide policy)

"Our 10-year healthy weight strategy sets out a long-term agenda of evidence-informed policies with 30 recommendations, covering food and drink marketing, early years and treatment as well as the infrastructure needed to ensure policies are robustly implemented and evaluated."

Categories:Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2021-2031
Target age group:Adults and children
Linked document:Download linked document
References:http://obesityhealthalliance.org.uk/turningthetide/

Calorie reduction: guidelines for the food industry (UK-wide policy)

This report sets out the calorie reduction ambitions for all food industry sectors, including: the approach to calorie reduction and reformulation, the different ambitions set across food industry sectors recognising that more action is required in the eating out, takeaway and delivery sectors, food products included in the categories and baseline figures for the different food sectors

Categories:Industry/Government regulations - voluntary /pledges
Year(s):2020 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Public Health England
Find out more:www.gov.uk
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Calorie reduction: guidelines for the food industry. A technical report outlining guidelines for industry, 2017 baseline calorie levels and next steps. Public Health England. Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/calorie-reduction-guidelines-for-the-food-industry (last accessed 11.09.20)

Policy paper, Tackling obesity: empowering adults and children to live healthier lives (UK-wide policy)

Categories:Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2020 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Department of Health and Social Care
Find out more:www.gov.uk
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Policy paper, Tackling obesity: empowering adults and children to live healthier lives, Published 27 July 2020.

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)

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 (UK-wide policy)

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)

A Healthier future: Scotland's diet and healthy weight delivery plan

Aims to half childhood obesity by 2030 and significantly reduce health inequalities. This will be acheived by ensuring: children have the best start in life - they eat well and have a healthy weight, the food environment supports healthier choices, people have access to effective weight management services, leaders across all sectors promote healthy weight and diet and that diet-related health inequalities are reduced.

Categories:Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The Scottish Government
Find out more:www.gov.scot
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Scottish Government. (2018). A healthier future: Scotland's diet and healthy weight delivery plan. Available from: https://www.gov.scot/publications/healthier-future-scotlands-diet-healthy-weight-delivery-plan/pages/2/. [Accessed 2 May 2019].

Active Scotland Delivery Plan

Physical activity strategy for Scotland developed by the Scottish Government.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Scottish Government
Find out more:www.gov.scot
Linked document:Download linked document

Soft drinks industry levy

The Soft Drinks Industry Levy is a mandatory tax on the amount of sugar present in soft drinks in the UK. It is a two-tiered tax, affecting both manufacturers and importers of soft drinks. This levy was introduced by the UK Government in March 2016 and was enforced in April 2018 as a method of reducing the levels of sugar being consumed through soft drinks.

Categories:Taxation/Subsidies on Food or Beverages or law relating to public health
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:UK Government
Find out more:www.gov.uk
References:https://www.gov.uk/topic/business-tax/soft-drinks-industry-levy

Healthy Active Schools System (HASS) (UK-wide policy)

This is a free tool devised and delivered by a UK children’s activity provider 'Fit For Sport.' It is an online activity measurement tool which allows schools to track, monitor and evaluate children’s activity levels in schools.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Fit For Sport
Find out more:www.healthyactiveschools.co.uk

NCD Country Profiles 2018 (Obesity Targets) (UK-wide policy)

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 (UK-wide policy)

"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

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

EU nutrient content lists (UK-wide policy)

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 13 December 2016.

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:European Commission
Find out more:eur-lex.europa.eu

GNPR 2016-2017: Infant and young child nutrition - Breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling (UK-wide policy)

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

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

Government Dietary Recommendations (UK-wide policy)

Government recommendations for energy and nutrients for males and females aged 1 – 18 years and 19+ years. NB These guidelines relate to England, The form the basis of the Eatwell guide which is applicable across all the nations.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Public Health England
Find out more:assets.publishing.service.gov.uk

Guide to creating a front of pack (FoP) nutrition label for pre-packed products sold through retail outlets (UK-wide policy)

This guidance supports the development of front of pack (FoP) nutrition labels that are compliant with the UK Health Ministers. Recommendation on the use of colour coding as an additional form of expression and with EU Regulation No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food in formation to consumers (EU FIC). The provision of FoP information remains voluntary, but if provided it must meet the requirements set out in the EU FIC. UPDATED 2016

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The guidance was developed by the Department of Health, the Food Standards Agency, and devolved administrations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales in collaboration with the British Retail Consortium.
Find out more:www.gov.uk
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Guide to creating a front of pack (FoP) nutrition label for pre-packed products sold through retail outlets. Updated 2016. Available at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/566251/FoP_Nutrition_labelling_UK_guidance.pdf (last accessed 30.10.20)

Guide to creating a front of pack (FoP) nutrition label for pre-packed products sold through retail outlets

This guidance supports the development of front of pack (FoP) nutrition labels that are compliant with the UK Health Ministers. Recommendation on the use of colour coding as an additional form of expression and with EU Regulation No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food in formation to consumers (EU FIC). The provision of FoP information remains voluntary, but if provided it must meet the requirements set out in the EU FIC. UPDATED 2016

Categories (partial):Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The guidance was developed by the Department of Health, the Food Standards Agency, and devolved administrations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales in collaboration with the British Retail Consortium.
Find out more:www.gov.uk
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Guide to creating a front of pack (FoP) nutrition label for pre-packed products sold through retail outlets. Updated 2016. Available at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/566251/FoP_Nutrition_labelling_UK_guidance.pdf (last accessed 30.10.20)

Soft Drinks Levy (UK-wide policy)

Soft Drinks Industry Levy which encourages producers to reduce added sugar_x000D__x000D_ content in drinks, market low sugar alternatives, and reduce portion sizes for_x000D__x000D_ high sugar drinks.

Categories:Taxation/Subsidies on Food or Beverages or law relating to public health
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:HM Revenue and Customs
Find out more:www.gov.uk
Linked document:Download linked document
References:HM Revenue and Customs. Soft drinks Industry Levy. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/topic/business-tax/soft-drinks-industry-levy [Last accessed 13 December 2018]._x000D__x000D_ _x000D__x000D_ http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/264/pdfs/uksi_20180264_en.pdf

The Child's Obesity Strategy (UK-wide policy)

This report calls for a ban on fast food takeaway deliveries to schools and the introduction of initiatives such as new classifications on unhealthy food and loyalty cards to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic in the UK.

Categories:Non-national obesity strategies
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Published by Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), the Youth Health Movement and Slimming World.
Find out more:www.rsph.org.uk
Linked document:Download linked document

Walk to School Week (UK-wide policy)

Walk to School Week is a project run by the UK charity 'Living Streets.' It uses various campaigns and projects to overcome barriers to walking and encourage millions of people in the UK to walk.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Living Streets
Find out more:www.livingstreets.org.uk

Guidelines on Preventing excess weight gain (NICE) (UK-wide policy)

Guidelines on how to prevent becoming overweight/obese, including interventions and activities in which weight is not the primary outcome, such as those aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes, improving mental wellbeing or increasing active travel.

Categories (partial):Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2015 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:National Institute for health care and excellence (NICE)
Find out more:www.nice.org.uk
Linked document:Download linked document
References:National Institute for health care and excellence (2015). Preventing excess weight gain. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng7/resources/preventing-excess-weight-gain-pdf-51045164485. [Accessed 14 December 2018].

Preventing excess weight gain (NICE Guidelines NG7) (UK-wide policy)

These guidelines makes recommendations on behaviours that may help people maintain a healthy weight or prevent excess weight gain.

Categories:Non-national obesity strategies
Year(s):2015 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
Find out more:www.nice.org.uk
Linked document:Download linked document

School Food Regulations 2014 (No. 1603) (UK-wide policy)

Applicable to school lunches and food provided to students on school premises, will come into force 1 January 2015. These replace the School Food Standards of 2007.

Categories:Taxation/Subsidies on Food or Beverages or law relating to public health
Evidence of School Food Regulations
Year(s):2015 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Government
Find out more:www.legislation.gov.uk
Linked document:Download linked document

Sporting Future: A New Strategy for an Active Nation 2015 (UK-wide policy)

'This cross-government strategy will tackle head on the flatlining levels of sport participation and high levels of inactivity in this country. Through this strategy, government is redefining what success in sport means, with a new focus on five key outcomes: physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, individual development, social and community development and economic development.'

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2015 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Department of Culture, Media and Sport
Find out more:www.gov.uk
Linked document:Download linked document

The Food Standards Agency's Strategy for 2015-2020 (UK-wide policy)

'The FSA Strategy 2015 -20 reinvigorates our pledge to put consumers first in everything we do, so that food is safe and what it says it is, that we have access to an affordable healthy diet, and can make informed choices about what we eat, now and in the future.'

Categories (partial):Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2015-2020
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Food Standards Agency
Find out more:www.food.gov.uk
Linked document:Download linked document

Thrive Plymouth (UK-wide policy)

Thrive Plymouth is a ten year programme which aims to improve health and wellbeing in Plymouth and narrow the gap in health status between people in the city. Its objective is to generate collective action for social change around the main lifestyle choices that determine health and wellbeing in Plymouth. The programme will encourage and enable partners (residents, organisations, institutions) to support positive lifestyle choices in different settings. It encourages eating a healthy diet, leading active lifestyle, drinking sensibly and not smoking. Year one focus was the workplace, year two focus was schools and year three will be focused on the 'One You' campaign.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2015 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Plymouth City Council
Find out more:www.plymouth.gov.uk

Annual weigh-in (UK-wide policy)

Assessment of the Academy's 10 recommendations for obesity one year on.

Categories (partial):Health Effectiveness Reviews (obesity related)
Year(s):2014 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Academy of Royal Colleges
Find out more:www.aomrc.org.uk

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

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 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;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;zwnj;

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 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;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;zwnj;

GP Guidance: Management of nutrition following bariatric surgery (UK-wide policy)

This guideline assumes that the bariatric centre will provide the first two years of_x000D__x000D_ follow up for the patient before discharging back to the care of the General_x000D__x000D_ Practitioner.

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2014 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society. GP Guidance: Management of nutrition following bariatric surgery August 2014
Find out more:www.bomss.org.uk
References:http://www.bomss.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/GP_Guidance-Final-version-1Oct141.pdf

MAN v FAT (UK-wide policy)

Man V Fat is a digital magazine and social media community designed to support and champion men who want to lose weight. It also runs bootcamps and football leagues for men with a BMI of 30+.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2014 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Andrew Shanahan, a writer for The Guardian, The Times and Loaded.
Find out more:manvfat.com

National Clinical Guidelines: Obesity (UK-wide policy)

Clinical guidelines for the identification, assessment and management of overweight and obesity in children, young people and adults

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2014 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Find out more:www.nice.org.uk
Linked document:Download linked document

National Clinical Guidelines: Obesity

Clinical guidelines for the identification, assessment and management of overweight and obesity in children, young people and adults

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2014 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Find out more:www.nice.org.uk

National Clinical Guidelines: Obesity (UK-wide policy)

Clinical guidelines for the identification, assessment and management of overweight and obesity in children, young people and adults

Year(s):2014 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Find out more:www.nice.org.uk

Measuring Up: The medical profession's prescription for the nation's obesity crisis (UK-wide policy)

A report suggesting a number of policy measures to tackle obesity, a ban on junk food advertising before 9pm and recommendations on reducing the proximity of fast food outlets to schools.

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Categories (partial):Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2013 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges
Find out more:www.aomrc.org.uk
Linked document:Download linked document

Out to Lunch (UK-wide policy)

This campaign works with restaurants and pub chains to improve the food and service offered to children and families when they eat out on the high street. With the help of a team of ‘secret diner’ parents, the campaign compiled an ‘Out to Lunch’ league table, ranking 21 of Britain’s top high street chains. Out to Lunch aims to improve healthy menu development and encourages good sourcing and preparation practices.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2013 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The Soil Association
Find out more:www.soilassociation.org

The Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Wales) Regulations 2013 (UK-wide policy)

The Healthy Eating Regulations impose requirements and standards on the types of food and drink that can be served at breakfast and lunch, including nutritional standards.

Year(s):2013 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Welsh Government
Find out more:www.assembly.wales
Linked document:Download linked document

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 October 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)

Evaluation of the EU school milk and fruit scheme (UK-wide policy)

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

Categories:Health Effectiveness Reviews (obesity related)
Year(s):2011 (ongoing)
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

Evaluation of the EU school milk and fruit scheme

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

Categories:Health Effectiveness Reviews (obesity related)
Year(s):2011 (ongoing)
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

Improving Maternal and Infant Nutrition: A Framework for Action

This action framework is aimed at a wide variety of organisations with a role in improving maternal and infant nutrition in Scotland.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2011 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The Scottish Government
Find out more:www.gov.scot
Linked document:Download linked document

Multidisciplinary Tier 3 weight management service (UK-wide policy)

Evaluation of this multi-disciplinary approach using focus groups revealed that participants_x000D__x000D_ described high levels of satisfaction. A Tier 3 weight management service for obese patients with complex co-morbidity was successfully delivered in a primary care setting with a full multidisciplinary team. Health outcomes were good compared with existing services.

Categories:Evidence of Multidisciplinary Intervention
Year(s):2011 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Jennings et al 2014
Find out more:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Jennings et al 2014. Evaluation of a multidisciplinary Tier 3 weight management service for adults with morbid obesity, or obesity and comorbidities, based in primary care. Clinical Obesity. doi: 10.1111/cob.12066

Start Active, Stay Active (UK-wide policy)

A UK-wide document that presents guidelines on the volume, duration, frequency and type of physical activity required across the life course to achieve general health benefits. It is aimed at the NHS, local authorities and a range of other organisations designing services to promote physical activity.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2011 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Department of Health, Physical Activity, Health Improvement and Protection
Linked document:Download linked document

All Wales Obesity Pathway (UK-wide policy)

The Pathway is a tool for Health Boards, working jointly with Local Authorities and other key stakeholders, to map local policies, services and activity for both children and adults against four tiers of intervention, and to identify any gaps.

Year(s):2010 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Welsh Assembly Government
Find out more:www.wales.nhs.uk

Healthy Happy Communities Project

The Healthy Happy Communities Project (HHCP) runs in disadvantaged areas of Angus, focusing on food and health, particularly for women of childbearing age, pregnant women and the under-fives. It has Healthy Start cafes and community gardening and cooking projects.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2010 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:NHS Tayside and Angus Council_x000D__x000D_
Find out more:www.communityfoodandhealth.org.uk

Preventing Overweight and Obesity in Scotland: A Route Map Towards Healthy Weight

This policy is aimed at central and local government decision-makers working with their partners in agencies, the third sector, NHS Scotland and business to develop and subsequently deliver the long-term solutions to overweight and obesity in Scotland. The Route Map sets out the direction of national and local government decision making in the short and medium term.

Categories (partial):Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2010 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The Scottish Government
Find out more:www.gov.scot
Linked document:Download linked document

SIGN Management of Obesity - A National Clinical Guideline

This guideline provides evidence based recommendations on the prevention and treatment of obesity within the clinical setting, in children, young people and adults.

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2010 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network
Find out more:www.sign.ac.uk
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (2010). Management of Obesity: A national clinical guideline. Available from: https://www.sign.ac.uk/assets/sign115.pdf [Accessed 14 December 2018].

SIGN Management of Obesity - Quick reference guide

A quick reference guide providing a summary of the main recommendations contained in the SIGN guideline (including primary prevention of obesity in children, young people and adults, treatments by diet,lifestyle, pharmacological therapy and bariatric surgery and prevention of weight regain after treatment).

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2010 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network
Find out more:www.sign.ac.uk
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (2010). Management of Obesity: Quick Reference Guide. Available from: https://www.sign.ac.uk/assets/qrg115.pdf [Accessed 13 July 2020].

The Toy Box Study (UK-wide policy)

The Toy Box intervention is a multicomponent, kindergarten-based, family-involved intervention, focusing on the promotion of water consumption, healthy snacking, physical activity and the reduction/ breaking up of sedentary time in preschool children and their families.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2010-2014
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:EU funded multidisciplinary team project
Find out more:www.toybox-study.eu

Creating an Active Wales (UK-wide policy)

This action plan sets out the steps the Welsh Assembly Government will take, with partners, to achieve an active, healthy and inclusive Wales. Creating an Active Wales focuses on four strategic aims; to develop a physical environment that makes it easier for people to choose to be more physically active; to support children and young people to live active lives, and become active adults; to encourage more adults to be more active, more often throughout life and to increase participation in sport, by all sectors of the population.

Year(s):2009 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Welsh Government
Find out more:www.wales.nhs.uk
Linked document:Download linked document

Recipe For Success: Scotland's national food and drink policy

This paper sets out how to support the growth of the food and drink industry; build on the Scottish reputation as a land of food and drink; ensure the public makes healthy and sustainable choices; make the public sector an exemplar for sustainable food procurement; ensure the food supplies are secure and resilient to change; make food both available and affordable to all; and ensure that the Scottish people understand more about the food they eat.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2009 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The Scottish Government
Find out more:www.gov.scot
Linked document:Download linked document

Healthy Eating in Schools: A guide to implementing the nutrition requirements for food and drinks in schools (Scotland) regulations 2008

Regulations approved to help improved the health of children and young people in Scotland.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2008 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Scottish Government
Find out more:www.gov.scot
Linked document:Download linked document

Healthy Eating, Active Living: An action plan to improve diet, increase physical activity and tackle obesity (2008-2011)

A plan of action to help improve the nation's diet, encourage greater physical activity and begin to establish a base for addressing obesity through both targeted interventions and supporting the public to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Categories (partial):Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2008-2011
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The Scottish Government
Find out more:www.gov.scot
Linked document:Download linked document

Healthy Stadia Network (UK-wide policy)

"At Healthy Stadia, we encourage professional and amateur sports clubs, league operators, national and international governing bodies of sport to develop their stadia and sports facilities as health-promoting environments. We do this by supporting them to adopt a range of policies and practices in support of the health of their fans, their staff and the surrounding community. The definition we give to Healthy Stadia is: Healthy Stadia are… those who promote the health of visitors, fans, players, employees and the surrounding community… places where people can go to have a positive, healthy experience playing or watching sport."

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2008 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
References:https://healthystadia.eu/healthy-stadia-concept/

Developing a Whole School Food and Fitness Policy (UK-wide policy)

This document is designed to guide and support schools as they develop whole school food & fitness polices

Year(s):2007 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Welsh Government
Linked document:Download linked document

Health, Exercise and Nutrition in the Really Young (HENRY) (UK-wide policy)

"Health, Exercise and Nutrition in the Really Young (HENRY) is an eight-week obesity prevention programme currently delivered in children’s centres across the UK."

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2007 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Find out more:www.henry.org.uk
References:https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-019-7410-0

The Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act, 2007

The Act places health promotion at the heart of a school's activities, and details a number of duties on local authorities such as to promote school meals and consider sustainable development guidance when providing food and drink.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2007 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Scottish Government
Linked document:Download linked document

EU health and nutrient claims regulation (UK-wide policy)

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

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

Confidence to Cook – Community Kitchens

Confidence to Cook aims to promote healthy eating messages through practical hands-on cookery sessions, particularly in low-income communities with vulnerable groups. 

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2004 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:NHS Grampian and Aberdeen City Council
Find out more:www.confidence2cook.co.uk

SGF's Healthy Living Programme

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) Healthy Living Programme is a Scottish Government sponsored programme. The main objective is to increase the range, availability and value of healthy products in Scottish Convenience Stores, with particular focus on disadvantaged communities.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2004 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Scottish Grocers’ Federation
Find out more:www.scottishshop.org.uk

Game Plan, Strategy for delivering the Government's sport and physical activity objectives (UK-wide policy)

This document describes the United Kingdom's Government objectives for sport and physical activity and identifies ways of improving Government support. It was published in 2002 by two government departments: the Social Exclusion Unit and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. The overall objectives of the plan are to increase the participation of all people in sport and to improve results in international competition.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2002-2020
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Find out more:www.sportdevelopment.org.uk
References:DCMS/Strategy Unit. (2002) Game plan: A strategy for delivering government's sport and physical activity objectives. London: Cabinet Office

The Eatwell Plate

The United Kingdom published its first national food model in 1994, and it has been updated since then. The national food model, then known as ‘The Balance of Good Health’, was launched in 1994. It was revised and named ‘The eatwell plate’ in 2007. The most recent model, the Eatwell Guide, was published in March 2016. The revision of the eatwell plate to the Eatwell Guide in 2016 was led by Public Health England in association with Food Standards Scotland, the Welsh Government and by the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland. The Eatwell Guide has been accepted across UK government departments.

Year(s):1994 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Find out more:www.gov.uk
Linked document:Download linked document
References:http://www.fao.org/nutrition/education/food-dietary-guidelines/regions/countries/united-kingdom/en/

Alive and Kicking

"The Alive & Kicking Project was established in 1988 by community activists to provide a centre for elderly and physically disabled people living in Glasgow's Greater Springburn area. Over the past thirty years the Centre has grown and developed a wide range of services and facilities for it's service users." The project addresses obesity and physical inactivity.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):1988 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults
Find out more:www.aliveandkickingproject.com
References:https://www.aliveandkickingproject.com/

UK Code of Broadcast Advertising (BCAP Code) (UK-wide policy)

Statutory rules on advertisements for HFSS foods on TV channels dedicated to children. These regulations ban the advertising of food high in fat, sugar, and salt (as defined by a nutrient profiling model) during television programs that have particular appeal to children aged younger than 16 years. Since 2011, the provisions of the Code of Advertising Practice now apply to advertisers own websites and advertising on social media sites.

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):1961 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:UK Code of Broadcast Advertising (BCAP Code)
Find out more:www.cap.org.uk
Linked document:Download linked document

An evaluation of the UK Food Standard Agency’s salt campaign (UK-wide policy)

An evaluation of the UK Food Standard Agency’s salt campaign

Categories (partial):Health Effectiveness Reviews (obesity related)
Find out more:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
References:Information provided with kind permission of World Cancer Research Fund International from their NOURISHING framework www.wcrf.org/NOURISHING

CAP non-broadcast code

"The CAP non-broadcast code has rules that cover non-broadcast advertising (for example print, online), sales promotion and direct marketing (such as telesales and email). The code specifies standards for accuracy and honesty that businesses must stick to, including specific conditions, such as: advertising to children" - UK Gov. The CAP non-broadcast code includes Mandatory regulation of food advertising in non-broadcast media.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Target age group:Children
Organisation:UK Government
Find out more:www.asa.org.uk
References:https://www.gov.uk/marketing-advertising-law/advertising-codes-of-practice

CAP non-broadcast code (UK-wide policy)

"The CAP non-broadcast code has rules that cover non-broadcast advertising (for example print, online), sales promotion and direct marketing (such as telesales and email). The code specifies standards for accuracy and honesty that businesses must stick to, including specific conditions, such as: advertising to children" - UK Gov. The CAP non-broadcast code includes Mandatory regulation of food advertising in non-broadcast media.

Target age group:Children
Organisation:UK Government
Find out more:www.asa.org.uk
References:https://www.gov.uk/marketing-advertising-law/advertising-codes-of-practice

Children’s exposure to food advertising: the impact of statutory restrictions. (UK-wide policy)

Whalen R et al. (2017) Children’s exposure to food advertising: the impact of statutory restrictions. Health Promotion International, 34(2), 227‐235.

Categories:Health Effectiveness Reviews (obesity related)
Find out more:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
References:Information provided with kind permission of World Cancer Research Fund International from their NOURISHING framework www.wcrf.org/NOURISHING

Commercial promotion of food to children

"A combination of statutory and government-approved private sector self-regulation techniques are used to control the commercial promotion of food to children. Statutory rules apply to child-targeted television advertisements for HFSS foods as defined by the nutrient profiling scheme developed by the Food Standards Agency. “Child-targeted” marketing is defined as marketing during preschool children’s programmes, during programmes made for children under the age of 16 in children’s airtime, and youth-oriented programming that attracts a significantly higher-than-average proportion of viewers younger than 16 years (the proportion of viewers under 16 is 20% higher than the general viewing population). The rules apply to commercial and public service broadcast channels and all cable and satellite channels. The objectives are to limit children’s exposure to advertising for HFSS products and to restrict the use of advertising techniques appealing to children." - WHO

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Target age group:Children
References:https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/155436/e96047.pdf

Commercial promotion of food to children (UK-wide policy)

"A combination of statutory and government-approved private sector self-regulation techniques are used to control the commercial promotion of food to children. Statutory rules apply to child-targeted television advertisements for HFSS foods as defined by the nutrient profiling scheme developed by the Food Standards Agency. “Child-targeted” marketing is defined as marketing during preschool children’s programmes, during programmes made for children under the age of 16 in children’s airtime, and youth-oriented programming that attracts a significantly higher-than-average proportion of viewers younger than 16 years (the proportion of viewers under 16 is 20% higher than the general viewing population). The rules apply to commercial and public service broadcast channels and all cable and satellite channels. The objectives are to limit children’s exposure to advertising for HFSS products and to restrict the use of advertising techniques appealing to children." - WHO

Target age group:Children
References:https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/155436/e96047.pdf

Does participation in a population-based dietary intervention scheme have a lasting impact on fruit intake in young children? (UK-wide policy)

Fogarty AW et al. (2007) Does participation in a population-based dietary intervention scheme have a lasting impact on fruit intake in young children? International Journal of Epidemiology, 36(5), 1080-1085.

Categories:Health Effectiveness Reviews (obesity related)
Find out more:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
References:Information provided with kind permission of World Cancer Research Fund International from their NOURISHING framework www.wcrf.org/NOURISHING

Evaluation of the effectiveness of front-of-pack labelling (UK-wide policy)

Sacks G et al. (2009) Impact of front-of-pack ‘traffic-light’ nutrition labelling on consumer food purchases in the UK. Health Promotion International, 24(4), 344-352.

Categories:Health Effectiveness Reviews (obesity related)
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

GNPR 2016-17 (q7) Breastfeeeding promotion and/or counselling (UK-wide policy)

WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 reported the evidence of breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling (q7)

Categories:Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Ministry of Health (information provided by the GINA progam)
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

Living Streets (UK-wide policy)

UK charity campaigning to get everyone out walking more

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Living Streets
Find out more:www.livingstreets.org.uk

MEND (Mind,Exercise,Nutrition...Do it!) 5-7 Programme (UK-wide policy)

"The MEND 5-7 programme is a comprehensive, multi-component intervention designed to tackle obesity inchildhood. The programme supports families by provid-ing information on child nutrition (based on governmenthealthy eating guidelines), active play and parenting prac-tices to help parents practically integrate these recom-mendations into everyday life. The programme uses anon-diet approach to prevent unduly restrictive eatingwhich can lead to problematic eating behaviours."

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Target age group:Children
References:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236639812_Assessing_the_short-term_outcomes_of_a_community-based_intervention_for_overweight_and_obese_children_The_MEND_5-7_programme

re:balance (UK-wide policy)

Weight loss programme based in Camden or Islington. You can either refer yourself or a GP can refer you._x000D__x000D_ Rebalance is a 12 week, group, weight-loss programme of exercise and dietary advice for overweight or obese adults. It covers nutritional advice, healthy-eating guidance, online, cognitive behavioural support and help to get active.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Categories (partial):Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Target age group:Adults
Find out more:www.camden.gov.uk

The Family Project (a multi-disciplinary family-based programme for treating childhood obesity) (UK-wide policy)

A multi-component family focused education package involving physical activity sessions and educational workshops focusing on; healthy eating, physical activity, reducing sedentary behaviour, behaviour change and psychological well being. Workshops were also delivered by a multi-disciplinary team comprising; a dietitian, physical activity health promotion officer, an educational or clinical psychologist and 2-3 physical activity instructors.

Categories:Evidence of Multidisciplinary Intervention
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Coppins et al 2011
Find out more:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Coppins et al 2011. Effectiveness of a multi-disciplinary family-based programme for treating childhood obesity (the Family Project). Eur J Clin Nutr. 2011 Aug;65(8):903-9.

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
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)? 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?Present-(voluntary)
Are there mandatory standards for food in schools?Present
Are there any mandatory nutrient limits in any manufactured food products?Absent
Nutrition standards for public sector procurement?Absent

Political will and support

National obesity strategy or nutrition and physical activity national strategy?Present
National obesity strategy?Present
National childhood obesity strategy?Present
Comprehensive nutrition strategy?Present
Comprehensive physical activity strategy?Present
Evidence-based dietary guidelines and/or RDAs?Present
National target(s) on reducing obesity?Present
Guidelines/policy on obesity treatment?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 September 13, 2022

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Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions

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