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

Adults, 2021-2022

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-74
Sample size:4743
Area covered:National
References:National Population Health Survey 2022 (Household Interview and Health Examination). Epidemiology & Disease Control Division and Policy, Research & Surveillance Group Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board, Singapore. https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/resources-statistics/reports/nphs-2022-survey-report-(final).pdf (Accessed 27.09.2023)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2019-2020

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-74
Sample size:2506
Area covered:National
References:National Population Health Survey 2020. Epidemiology & Disease Control Division and Policy, Research & Surveillance Group Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board, Singapore. https://www.hpb.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/nphs-2020-survey-report.pdf?sfvrsn=ece50aa9_0 (Accessed 18.11.2021)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-69
Sample size:1100
Area covered:National
References:Ministry of Health. National Population Health Survey. 2016/17. Available from: https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/resources-statistics/reports/executive-summary-nphs-2016_17.pdf (Accessed 2 April 2019).
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:18-69
Area covered:National
References:National Health Surveillance Survey (NHSS) 2013. Ministry of Health Singapore.
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:18-69
Sample size:4337
Area covered:National
References:National Health Survey 2010. Ministry of Health Singapore 2011. Report and Tables available at https://www.moh.gov.sg/resources-statistics/reports/national-health-survey-2010 (assessed 08.10.12)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2004

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-69
Sample size:4168
Area covered:National
References:Ministry of Health. National Health Survey 2004: Singapore. WHO Report 2005.
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:18-69
Area covered:National
References:National Health Survey 1998. Ministry of Health Singapore
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 1992

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-69
Area covered:National
References:National Health Survey Singapore 1992. Ministry of Health Singapore.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-18
Sample size:>400000
Area covered:National
References:Ministry of Education Survey. Publicly Available Data at https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/obesity-trend-and-programmes (last accessed 10.12.20)
Notes:Supplementary survey information obtained from Ministry of Education
Definitions:o Obesity: BMI-for-age percentile >= 97th percentile o Overweight: BMI-for-age percentile = 90th to < 97th percentile
Cutoffs:Other

Children, 1993

Survey type:Measured
Age:10
Sample size:5350
References:Bellizzi MC, Horgan GW, Guillaume M, Dietz WH. Prevalence of childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity in Asian and European countries. In: Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence. Editors: Chunming Chen, William H. Dietz. Nestle Nutrition Workshop Series Pediatric Program. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2002.
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. NB. Combined child 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 21.10.20)'
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by education

Adults, 2021-2022

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-74
Sample size:4743
Area covered:National
References:National Population Health Survey 2022 (Household Interview and Health Examination). Epidemiology & Disease Control Division and Policy, Research & Surveillance Group Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board, Singapore. https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/resources-statistics/reports/nphs-2022-survey-report-(final).pdf (Accessed 27.09.2023)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2019-2020

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-74
Sample size:2506
Area covered:National
References:National Population Health Survey 2020. Epidemiology & Disease Control Division and Policy, Research & Surveillance Group Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board, Singapore. https://www.hpb.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/nphs-2020-survey-report.pdf?sfvrsn=ece50aa9_0 (Accessed 18.11.2021)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Overweight/obesity by age

Adults, 2021-2022

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:4743
Area covered:National
References:National Population Health Survey 2022 (Household Interview and Health Examination). Epidemiology & Disease Control Division and Policy, Research & Surveillance Group Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board, Singapore. https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/resources-statistics/reports/nphs-2022-survey-report-(final).pdf (Accessed 27.09.2023)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2019-2020

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:2506
Area covered:National
References:National Population Health Survey 2020. Epidemiology & Disease Control Division and Policy, Research & Surveillance Group Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board, Singapore. https://www.hpb.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/nphs-2020-survey-report.pdf?sfvrsn=ece50aa9_0 (Accessed 18.11.2021)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2010

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:4337
Area covered:National
References:National Health Survey 2010. Ministry of Health Singapore 2011. Report and Tables available at https://www.moh.gov.sg/resources-statistics/reports/national-health-survey-2010 (assessed 08.10.12)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Overweight/obesity by 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, 2021-2022

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-74
Sample size:4743
Area covered:National
References:National Population Health Survey 2022 (Household Interview and Health Examination). Epidemiology & Disease Control Division and Policy, Research & Surveillance Group Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board, Singapore. https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/resources-statistics/reports/nphs-2022-survey-report-(final).pdf (Accessed 27.09.2023)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2021-2022

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-74
Sample size:4743
Area covered:National
References:National Population Health Survey 2022 (Household Interview and Health Examination). Epidemiology & Disease Control Division and Policy, Research & Surveillance Group Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board, Singapore. https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/resources-statistics/reports/nphs-2022-survey-report-(final).pdf (Accessed 27.09.2023)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2021-2022

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-74
Sample size:4743
Area covered:National
References:National Population Health Survey 2022 (Household Interview and Health Examination). Epidemiology & Disease Control Division and Policy, Research & Surveillance Group Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board, Singapore. https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/resources-statistics/reports/nphs-2022-survey-report-(final).pdf (Accessed 27.09.2023)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2019-2020

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-74
Sample size:2506
Area covered:National
References:National Population Health Survey 2020. Epidemiology & Disease Control Division and Policy, Research & Surveillance Group Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board, Singapore. https://www.hpb.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/nphs-2020-survey-report.pdf?sfvrsn=ece50aa9_0 (Accessed 18.11.2021)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2019-2020

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-74
Sample size:2506
Area covered:National
References:National Population Health Survey 2020. Epidemiology & Disease Control Division and Policy, Research & Surveillance Group Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board, Singapore. https://www.hpb.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/nphs-2020-survey-report.pdf?sfvrsn=ece50aa9_0 (Accessed 18.11.2021)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2019-2020

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-74
Sample size:2506
Area covered:National
References:National Population Health Survey 2020. Epidemiology & Disease Control Division and Policy, Research & Surveillance Group Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board, Singapore. https://www.hpb.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/nphs-2020-survey-report.pdf?sfvrsn=ece50aa9_0 (Accessed 18.11.2021)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2010

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-69
Sample size:4337
Area covered:National
References:National Health Survey 2010. Ministry of Health Singapore 2011. Report and Tables available at https://www.moh.gov.sg/resources-statistics/reports/national-health-survey-2010 (tables last accessed 04.03.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2010

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-69
Sample size:4337
Area covered:National
References:National Health Survey 2010. Ministry of Health Singapore 2011. Report and Tables available at https://www.moh.gov.sg/resources-statistics/reports/national-health-survey-2010 (tables last accessed 04.03.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Insufficient physical activity

Adults, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7

Men, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7

Women, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7

Children, 2016

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

Boys, 2016

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

Girls, 2016

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

Children, 2010

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

Boys, 2010

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

Girls, 2010

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

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, 2015

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

Mental health - anxiety disorders

Adults, 2015

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

Oesophageal cancer

Men, 2020

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 10.01.2315
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

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 10.01.2315
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Breast cancer

Women, 2020

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 10.01.2315
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Colorectal cancer

Men, 2020

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 10.01.2315
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

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 10.01.2315
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Pancreatic cancer

Men, 2020

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 10.01.2315
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

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 10.01.2315
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Gallbladder cancer

Men, 2020

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 10.01.2315
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

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 10.01.2315
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Kidney cancer

Men, 2020

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 10.01.2315
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

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 10.01.2315
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Cancer of the uterus

Women, 2020

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 10.01.2315
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, 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 (%).

Economic impact of overweight and obesity

Country comparisons

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

Policies, Interventions and Actions

Mandatory front of package labelling: Nutri-grade

From 30 December 2022, beverages sold in Singapore in pre-packaged form must have Nutri-Grade labelling and are subject to restrictions on advertising. This is a mandatory measure. From 30 December 2023, these requirements will be extended to freshly prepared beverages intended for sale at specified settings in Singapore. Nutri-Grade beverages are graded using a single set of thresholds for sugar and saturated fat content.

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2022 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Government
Find out more:hpb.gov.sg

Ban of PHOs

As of June 2021, Partially-hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are banned as an ingredient in Singapore and must be phased out by all food companies. This ban covers local manufacturing and also imported food products.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2021 (ongoing)
Organisation:Ministry of Health

Sugared drinks advertisement ban

Ministry of Health (MOH) will introduce mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labels for less healthy pre-packaged sugar sweetened beverage[1] (SSBs) and advertising prohibitions for the least healthy SSBs on local mass media channels. Awaiting to establish if this is now live, due during 2020.

Categories (partial):Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2020 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Linked document:Download linked document

NCD Country Profiles 2018 (Obesity Targets)

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

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

Healthy Meals in Schools Programme (HMSP)

The Healthy Meals in Schools Programme (HMSP) seeks to enhance the availability of healthier food and beverage choices in schools through an integrated programme involving teachers, canteen vendors and students.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Health Promotion Board (HPB)
Find out more:www.hpb.gov.sg

HPB-MOH Clinical Practice Guidelines 1/2016

Guidelines to clinical practice, based on the best available evidence at the time of development. Includes guidlines for diagnosis and classification, assessment, treatment and screening.

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Health Promotion Board.
Find out more:www.hpb.gov.sg
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Health Promotion Board. OBESITY HPB-MOH Clinical Practice Guidelines 1/2016. Available from: https://www.hpb.gov.sg/docs/default-source/pdf/obesity-cpg_main_for-online-30-aug.pdf?sfvrsn=2288eb72_0 (Accessed 2 April 2019).

Guidelines for Food Advertising to Children

New guidelines aimed at reducing children's exposure to advertising of food and beverages high in fat, sugar and salt will take effect from 1 January 2015.

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2015 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)
Find out more:asas.org.sg

Lose To Win

Lose To Win is a holistic weight-loss programme organised by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) that helps participants get fit in a fun and interactive way.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Categories (partial):Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2015 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Singapore Government - Health Promotion Board (HPB)
Find out more:www.healthhub.sg

Regulation 78 of the Singaporean Food Regulations

In 2012, an amendment to regulation 78 of the Singaporean Food Regulations, made under the Sale of Food Act (1973), set a limit of 2% on trans fats in pre-packaged edible fats and oils for sale or for use as an ingredient in the preparation of food. The limits came into effect on 2 May 2012.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2012 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
References:https://policydatabase.wcrf.org/level_one?page=nourishing-level-one#step2=4#step3=334

Healthier Choice Symbol

Healthier Choice Symbol The Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) is a symbol that Singaporeans can relate to for healthier packaged foods. It is a part of the Nutrition Labelling Programme and is intended to provide point-of-sale information to help people make informed food choices.

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):1998 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
References:https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/8196

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

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

HealthHub

HealthHub is a one-stop portal and mobile app for Singaporeans to access a wide range of health content, deals, rewards and e-services. It is designed to empower Singaporeans to take greater ownership of their health and wellness through the online access of personalized health records, better health literacy and adoption of healthy lifestyle practices.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Find out more:www.healthhub.sg

Infant and Children Nutrition (ICN) Working Group

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
References:https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/27114

NCD targets

Includes targets of: • Maintain obesity rate at < 10% among adults by 2020 • Reduce overweight rate among children from projected 14% to 11% by 2020

Categories:Evidence of NCD strategy
Target age group:Adults and children
Linked document:Download linked document
References:WHO

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?Absent
Color coding?Present
Warning label?Absent

Regulation and marketing

Are there fiscal policies on unhealthy products?Absent
Tax on unhealthy foods?Absent
Tax on unhealthy drinks?Absent
Are there fiscal policies on healthy products?Absent
Subsidy on fruits?Absent
Subsidy on vegetables?Absent
Subsidy on other healthy products?Absent
Mandatory limit or ban of trans fat (all settings)?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?Absent
National obesity strategy?Absent
National childhood obesity strategy?Absent
Comprehensive nutrition strategy?Absent
Comprehensive physical activity strategy?Present
Evidence-based dietary guidelines and/or RDAs?Absent
National target(s) on reducing obesity?Present
Guidelines/policy on obesity treatment?Present
Promotion of breastfeeding?Absent

Monitoring and surveillance

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

Governance and resource

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

Key

Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown

Last updated July 6, 2023

See more policies here

Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions

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