Sri Lanka
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Economic impact
- Policies
- Contextual factors
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National obesity risk *6.5/10This is a composite ‘obesity risk’ score (out of 10, the highest risk) based on obesity prevalence, rate of increase, likelihood of meeting the 2025 target, treatment indicator and childhood stunting levels.Childhood obesity risk *5/11This is a ‘risk score’ for each country’s likelihood of having or acquiring a major childhood obesity problem during the 2020s, taking account of current prevalence levels and risk for future obesity (based on stunting among infants, maternal obesity, maternal smoking, and breastfeeding rates).
Obesity prevalence
Trends over time
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The report card collates all the most-recent graphics for this country. If you would like to produce a custom report based on selected graphics, just tap the Add to custom PDF button below the graphics you would like to use.Population breakdowns
Drivers
Comorbidities
Economic impact
Policies
Contextual factors
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2022
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-60 |
| Sample size: | 2352 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | National Nutrition and Micronutrient Survey in Sri Lanka: 2022 https://www.mri.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/National-Nutrition-and-Micronutrient-Survey-Sri-Lanka-2022.pdf (Accessed 26.09.23) |
| Notes: | 1560 women and 792 men NB. Combined adult data estimated. These estimates were calculated by weighting male and female survey results. Weighting based on World Bank Population % total female 2022 (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.FE.ZS - accessed 29.09.23) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2021
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-69 |
| Sample size: | 6267 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Sri Lanka STEPS Survey 2021 Fact Sheet https://www.ncd.health.gov.lk/images/pdf/Steps-Fact-Sheet.pdf (Accessed 21.07.23) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 16806 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine 2017. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2016 Sri Lanka. https://www.aidsdatahub.org/resource/sri-lanka-demographic-and-health-survey-2016 (Accessed 02.09.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2014-2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-69 |
| Sample size: | 5188 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | STEPS Survey Sri lanka 2014, available at https://extranet.who.int/ncdsmicrodata/index.php/catalog/614 (last accessed 16.10.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2009
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 2146 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Jayatissa, R., Hossain, S.M., Gunawardana, S., Ranbanda, J.M., Gunathilaka, M. and De Silva, P.C., 2012. Prevalence and associations of overweight among adult women in Sri Lanka: a national survey. Sri Lanka Journal of Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2(2). |
| Notes: | The data from this paper was sourced from the Demographic Health Survey Programme https://dhsprogram.com/ Central Statistical Office and Macro International. Calverton, Maryland, USA 15-49 years only |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2006-2007
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 12757 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition (MOH). 2009. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2006-07. Colombo, Sri Lanka: DCS and MOH. |
| Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2005-2006
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 4532 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Katulanda P, Jayawardena MAR, Sheriff MHR, Constantine GR and Matthews DR. (2010). Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Sri Lankan adults. Obesity Reviews, pp 1 - 6. |
| 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: | 5-9 |
| Sample size: | 667 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | National Nutrition and Micronutrient Survey in Sri Lanka: 2022 https://www.mri.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/National-Nutrition-and-Micronutrient-Survey-Sri-Lanka-2022.pdf (Accessed 26.09.23) |
| Notes: | Small sample size. Report provides prevalence by age butgiven small sample sizes they are not reported here. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2022
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10-17 |
| Sample size: | 484 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | National Nutrition and Micronutrient Survey in Sri Lanka: 2022 https://www.mri.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/National-Nutrition-and-Micronutrient-Survey-Sri-Lanka-2022.pdf (Accessed 26.09.23) |
| Notes: | Small sample size. Report provides prevalence but age by given small sample sizes they are not reported here. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10-18 |
| Sample size: | 2570 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Jayatissa R, Fervando D.N, Perera A, De Alwis N, National Nutrition and Micronutrient Survey among school adolescents aged 10-18 years in Sri Lanka 2017. Medical research Institute, Ministry of Health, Colombo 2019 |
| Definitions: | BMI-for-age-sex between 1 SD and 2SD as overweight and BMI-for-age-sex >2SD as obesity. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-12 |
| Sample size: | 8405 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2017 Nutritional Status, Dietary Practices and Pattern of Physical Activity Among School Children Aged 6-12 Years https://www.mri.gov.lk/assets/Nutrition/2017-NUTRITIONAL-STATUS-DIETARY-PRACTICES-AND-PATTERN-OF-PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY-A....pdf (accessed 29.09.23) |
| Cutoffs: | WHO 2007 |
Children, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 0-5 |
| Sample size: | 7908 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine 2017. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2016 Sri Lanka. https://www.aidsdatahub.org/resource/sri-lanka-demographic-and-health-survey-2016 (Accessed 18.05.21) |
| Notes: | Infants. |
| Definitions: | Weight for Height. Overweight = >2SD |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2008
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 13-15 |
| Sample size: | 2611 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Global School-based Student Health Survey, Sri Lanka 2008 Fact sheet https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/Sri_Lanka_GSHS_FS_2008.pdf?ua=1 |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2003
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10-15 |
| Sample size: | 6264 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Jayatissa R and Ranbanda RM. (2006). Prevalence of challenging nutritional problems among adolescents in Sri Lanka. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 27(2): 153 - 160. |
| Notes: | IOTF International Cut Off Please note these figures are for combined overweight & obesity (NOT Obesity) |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
% Adults living with obesity, 2006-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2006: Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition (MOH). 2009. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2006-07. Colombo, Sri Lanka: DCS and MOH. 2009: Jayatissa, R., Hossain, S.M., Gunawardana, S., Ranbanda, J.M., Gunathilaka, M. and De Silva, P.C., 2012. Prevalence and associations of overweight among adult women in Sri Lanka: a national survey. Sri Lanka Journal of Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2(2). 2016: Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine 2017. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2016 Sri Lanka. https://www.aidsdatahub.org/resource/sri-lanka-demographic-and-health-survey-2016 (Accessed 02.09.20) |
| Notes: | Aged 15-49 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with obesity, 2006-2016
| References: | 2006: Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition (MOH). 2009. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2006-07. Colombo, Sri Lanka: DCS and MOH. 2009: Jayatissa, R., Hossain, S.M., Gunawardana, S., Ranbanda, J.M., Gunathilaka, M. and De Silva, P.C., 2012. Prevalence and associations of overweight among adult women in Sri Lanka: a national survey. Sri Lanka Journal of Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2(2). 2016: Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine 2017. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2016 Sri Lanka. https://www.aidsdatahub.org/resource/sri-lanka-demographic-and-health-survey-2016 (Accessed 02.09.20) |
| Notes: | Aged 15-49 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Overweight/obesity by education
Women, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 16806 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine 2017. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2016 Sri Lanka. https://www.aidsdatahub.org/resource/sri-lanka-demographic-and-health-survey-2016 (Accessed 02.09.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2006-2007
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 12757 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition (MOH). 2009. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2006-07. Colombo, Sri Lanka: DCS and MOH. |
| Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-12 |
| Sample size: | 8405 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2017 Nutritional Status, Dietary Practices and Pattern of Physical Activity Among School Children Aged 6-12 Years https://www.mri.gov.lk/assets/Nutrition/2017-NUTRITIONAL-STATUS-DIETARY-PRACTICES-AND-PATTERN-OF-PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY-A....pdf (accessed 29.09.23) |
| Cutoffs: | WHO 2007 |
Children, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 6978 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine 2017. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2016 Sri Lanka. https://www.aidsdatahub.org/resource/sri-lanka-demographic-and-health-survey-2016 (Accessed 18.05.21) |
| Notes: | Infants. |
| Definitions: | Weight for Height. Overweight = >2SD |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Overweight/obesity by age
Women, 2022
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 1560 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | National Nutrition and Micronutrient Survey in Sri Lanka: 2022 https://www.mri.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/National-Nutrition-and-Micronutrient-Survey-Sri-Lanka-2022.pdf (Accessed 26.09.23) |
| Notes: | 1560 women |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2022
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 792 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | National Nutrition and Micronutrient Survey in Sri Lanka: 2022 https://www.mri.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/National-Nutrition-and-Micronutrient-Survey-Sri-Lanka-2022.pdf (Accessed 26.09.23) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 16806 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine 2017. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2016 Sri Lanka. https://www.aidsdatahub.org/resource/sri-lanka-demographic-and-health-survey-2016 (Accessed 02.09.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 4731 (1859 males, 2872 females) |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Non Communicable Disease Risk Factor Survey Sri Lanka 2015. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/sri-lanka/steps/steps-report-2015-sri-lanka.pdf?sfvrsn=6b56d56c_5&download=true |
| 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 |
| Sample size: | 2570 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Jayatissa R, Fervando D.N, Perera A, De Alwis N, National Nutrition and Micronutrient Survey among school adolescents aged 10-18 years in Sri Lanka 2017. Medical research Institute, Ministry of Health, Colombo 2019 |
| Definitions: | BMI-for-age-sex between 1 SD and 2SD as overweight and BMI-for-age-sex >2SD as obesity. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 8405 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2017 Nutritional Status, Dietary Practices and Pattern of Physical Activity Among School Children Aged 6-12 Years https://www.mri.gov.lk/assets/Nutrition/2017-NUTRITIONAL-STATUS-DIETARY-PRACTICES-AND-PATTERN-OF-PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY-A....pdf (accessed 29.09.23) |
| Cutoffs: | WHO 2007 |
Children, 2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 1224 (588 males, 636 females) |
| Area covered: | Colombo City |
| References: | Nutritional status of schoolchildren in an urban area of Sri Lanka. Available at: https://cmj.sljol.info/articles/abstract/10.4038/cmj.v49i4.1920/ |
| Cutoffs: | d sex and age specific body mass index (BMI) cut off values recommended by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) |
Overweight/obesity by region
Men, 2022
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-60 |
| Sample size: | 2352 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | National Nutrition and Micronutrient Survey in Sri Lanka: 2022 https://www.mri.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/National-Nutrition-and-Micronutrient-Survey-Sri-Lanka-2022.pdf (Accessed 26.09.23) |
| Notes: | 1560 women and 792 men |
| 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: | 18-60 |
| Sample size: | 2352 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | National Nutrition and Micronutrient Survey in Sri Lanka: 2022 https://www.mri.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/National-Nutrition-and-Micronutrient-Survey-Sri-Lanka-2022.pdf (Accessed 26.09.23) |
| Notes: | 1560 women and 792 men |
| 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: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 16806 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine 2017. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2016 Sri Lanka. https://www.aidsdatahub.org/resource/sri-lanka-demographic-and-health-survey-2016 (Accessed 02.09.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2006-2007
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 12757 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition (MOH). 2009. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2006-07. Colombo, Sri Lanka: DCS and MOH. |
| Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
| 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: | 10-18 |
| Sample size: | 2570 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Jayatissa R, Fervando D.N, Perera A, De Alwis N, National Nutrition and Micronutrient Survey among school adolescents aged 10-18 years in Sri Lanka 2017. Medical research Institute, Ministry of Health, Colombo 2019 |
| Definitions: | BMI-for-age-sex between 1 SD and 2SD as overweight and BMI-for-age-sex >2SD as obesity. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-12 |
| Sample size: | 8405 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | 2017 Nutritional Status, Dietary Practices and Pattern of Physical Activity Among School Children Aged 6-12 Years https://www.mri.gov.lk/assets/Nutrition/2017-NUTRITIONAL-STATUS-DIETARY-PRACTICES-AND-PATTERN-OF-PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY-A....pdf (accessed 29.09.23) |
| Cutoffs: | WHO 2007 |
Children, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 7908 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine 2017. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2016 Sri Lanka. https://www.aidsdatahub.org/resource/sri-lanka-demographic-and-health-survey-2016 (Accessed 18.05.21) |
| Notes: | Infants. |
| Definitions: | Weight for Height. Overweight = >2SD |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group
Women, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 16806 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine 2017. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2016 Sri Lanka. https://www.aidsdatahub.org/resource/sri-lanka-demographic-and-health-survey-2016 (Accessed 02.09.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2006-2007
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 12757 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition (MOH). 2009. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2006-07. Colombo, Sri Lanka: DCS and MOH. |
| Notes: | Prevalence of overweight and obesity in females by wealth quintile Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 7908 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) and Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine 2017. Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2016 Sri Lanka. https://www.aidsdatahub.org/resource/sri-lanka-demographic-and-health-survey-2016 (Accessed 18.05.21) |
| Notes: | Infants |
| Definitions: | Weight for Height. Overweight = >2SD |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
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) |
Prevalence of less than daily fruit consumption
Children, 2008-2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 12-17 |
| References: | Global School-based Student Health Surveys. Beal et al (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287. Sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of less-than-daily fruit consumption (% less-than-daily fruit consumption) |
Prevalence of less than daily vegetable consumption
Children, 2008-2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 12-17 |
| References: | Beal et al. (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287 sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of less-than-daily vegetable consumption (% less-than-daily vegetable consumption) |
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 |
% Infants exclusively breastfed 0-5 months
Children, 2015-2020
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2016 |
| Notes: | See UNICEF website for further survey information. Available at : https://data.unicef.org/resources/dataset/infant-young-child-feeding/ (last accessed 28.9.21) Citation: United Nations Children’s Fund, Division of Data, Analysis, Planning and Monitoring (2021). Global UNICEF Global Databases: Infant and Young Child Feeding: Exclusive breastfeeding, New York, September 2021. |
| Definitions: | % exclusively breastfed 0-5 months |
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 10.01.2331 |
| 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 10.01.2331 |
| 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 10.01.2331 |
| 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 10.01.2331 |
| 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 10.01.2331 |
| 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 10.01.2331 |
| 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 10.01.2331 |
| 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 10.01.2331 |
| 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 10.01.2331 |
| 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 10.01.2331 |
| 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 10.01.2331 |
| 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 10.01.2331 |
| 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
Policies, Interventions and Actions
Contextual factors
Disclaimer: These contextual factors should be interpreted with care. Results are updated as regularly as possible and use very specific criteria. The criteria used and full definitions are available for download at the bottom of this page.
Tap on a tick to find out more about policies influencing this factor.
Labelling
| Is there mandatory nutrition labelling? | Present |
| Front-of-package labelling? | Present |
| Back-of-pack nutrition declaration? | Absent |
| Color coding? | Present |
| Warning label? | Absent |
Regulation and marketing
| Are there fiscal policies on unhealthy products? | Present |
| Tax on unhealthy foods? | Present |
| 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)? | Absent |
| Mandatory limit of trans fats in place (all settings)? | Absent |
| Ban on trans-fats or phos in place (all settings)? | Absent |
| Are there any mandatory policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children? | Absent |
| Mandatory restriction on broadcast media? | Absent |
| Mandatory restriction on non-broadcast media? | Absent |
| Voluntary policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children? | Absent |
| Are there mandatory standards for food in schools? | Absent |
| Are there any mandatory nutrient limits in any manufactured food products? | 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? | Absent |
| National childhood obesity strategy? | Present |
| Comprehensive nutrition strategy? | Absent |
| 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? | Absent |
| 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? | Absent |
Governance and resource
| Multi-sectoral national co-ordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)? | Absent |
Key
Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown
Last updated September 13, 2022
Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions
