Switzerland
High income
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Contextual factors
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National obesity risk *5.5/10This 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 *7/11This is a ‘risk score’ for each country’s likelihood of having or acquiring a major childhood obesity problem during the 2020s, taking account of current prevalence levels and risk for future obesity (based on stunting among infants, maternal obesity, maternal smoking, and breastfeeding rates).
Report cards
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Population breakdowns
Drivers
Insufficient activity
Soft drink consumption
Fruit consumption
Vegetable consumption
Processed meat consumption
Grains consumption
Depression
Anxiety
Roots of obesity »
Like all chronic diseases, the root causes/drivers of obesity are complex. Select here to view 'other' root causes/drivers.Unaffordable diet
Comorbidities
Economic impact
Policies
Contextual factors
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2022
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 16+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat 2022 Data. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/ilc_hch10/default/table?lang=en (last accessed 19.03.25) |
| Notes: | EUROSTAT 2022 data derived from EU statistics on income and living conditions (EU-SILC) survey which includes adults aged 16+ years. This differs from most EUROSTAT data which is derived from the Health Interview Surveys, which includes adults aged 15+ years (though sometimes only data from adults aged 18+ reported) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2022
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 21,691 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Federal Statistical Office. Swiss Health Survey 2022. https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/gesundheit/determinanten/uebergewicht.assetdetail.28725068.html [Accessed 09.10.25] |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 21,930 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Federal Statistical Office. Swiss Health Survey 2017. https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/gesundheit/determinanten/uebergewicht.assetdetail.28725068.html [Accessed 09.10.25] |
| 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: | 18-75 |
| Sample size: | 2085 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Federal Office of Public Health and the Food Safety and Veterinary Office(2017) Characteristics and indicators of eating and physical activity behaviors in the Swiss adult population Results from menuCH 2014-2015 Available at https://menuch.iumsp.ch/index.php/catalog/4 |
| 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: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 21,382 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Federal Statistical Office. Swiss Health Survey 2012. https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/gesundheit/determinanten/uebergewicht.assetdetail.28725068.html [Accessed 09.10.25] |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 35-74 |
| Sample size: | 930 |
| Area covered: | Regional |
| References: | Bus Santé Study |
| Notes: | Small sample size Sub national: Canton of Geneva |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2007
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 18,473 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Federal Statistical Office. Swiss Health Survey 2007. https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/gesundheit/determinanten/uebergewicht.assetdetail.28725068.html [Accessed 09.10.25] |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2002
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 19,471 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Federal Statistical Office. Swiss Health Survey 2002. https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/gesundheit/determinanten/uebergewicht.assetdetail.28725068.html [Accessed 09.10.25] |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2000-2001
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 35-74 |
| Sample size: | 2482 |
| References: | WHO Infobase. Hopitaux Universitaires de Genève |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1997
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 12,821 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Federal Statistical Office. Swiss Health Survey 1997. https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/gesundheit/determinanten/uebergewicht.assetdetail.28725068.html [Accessed 09.10.25] |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1993
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 35-74 |
| Sample size: | Unspecified |
| Area covered: | Geneva |
| References: | Galobardes B, Costanza C, Bernstein MS, Delhumeau CH, Morabia A. Trends in Risk Factors for the Major "Lifestyle-related Diseases" in Geneva, Switzerland, 1993-2000. Ann Epidemiology 2003;13:537-540 |
| 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: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 14,890 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Federal Statistical Office. Swiss Health Survey 1992. https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/gesundheit/determinanten/uebergewicht.assetdetail.28725068.html [Accessed 09.10.25] |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2023
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-12 |
| Sample size: | 1245 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Herter-Aeberli, I. (2024). BMI, waist circumference and body fat measurements as well as NCD risk factors in 6 to 12 year old children in Switzerland - 2023 study. Final report for the attention of the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG). ETH Zurich. https://www.aramis.admin.ch/Default?DocumentID=72826&Load=true [Accessed 13.10.25] |
| Notes: | Data using WHO and CDC cutoffs also available in report. Although the participating schools were selected to be representative of the different regions of Switzerland, the participation of the children was voluntary. This may have led to an overrepresentation of children whose parents are interested in the topic and therefore to an underestimation of the proportion of overweight and obese children. In the 2023 survey, 48% of the invited children and adolescents participated, compared to 75% in 2007, 72% in 2012 and 55% in 2017. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2021-2022
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 13 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Rakic JG, Hamrik Z, Dzielska A, Felder-Puig R, Oja L, Bakalár P et al. A focus on adolescent physical activity, eating behaviours, weight status and body image in Europe, central Asia and Canada. Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) international report from the 2021/2022 survey. Volume 4. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2024. 'Any translation was not created by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO is not responsible for the content or accuracy of this translation. The original English edition shall be the binding and authentic edition' |
| Notes: | HBSC aims to survey approximately 1500 pupils per age group in each country or region (totaling around 4500) |
| Definitions: | +2SD |
| Cutoffs: | WHO 2007 |
Children, 2017-2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-12 |
| Sample size: | 2279 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Aeberli, I. (2018). BMI, waist circumference and body fat measurements as well as NCD risk factors in 6 to 12 year old children in Switzerland. Final report for the attention of the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG). ETH Zurich. https://www.obsan.admin.ch/sites/default/files/2021-09/bmi-_bauchumfang-_und_koerperfett-messungen_sowie_ncd-risikofaktoren_bei_6-12_jaehrigen_in_der_schweiz_0.pdf [Accessed 13.10.25] |
| Notes: | Data also available using CDC and WHO cutoffs. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-12 |
| Sample size: | 2963 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | ETH Zurich – Laboratory of Human Nutrition. Overweight and obesity (age: 6–12). https://ind.obsan.admin.ch/en/indicator/monam/overweight-and-obesity-age-6-12 [Accessed 13.10.25] |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2007
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-12 |
| Sample size: | 2218 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | ETH Zurich – Laboratory of Human Nutrition. Overweight and obesity (age: 6–12). https://ind.obsan.admin.ch/en/indicator/monam/overweight-and-obesity-age-6-12 [Accessed 13.10.25] |
| Notes: | Data also available using CDC cutoffs |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-12 |
| Sample size: | 2431 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | ETH Zurich – Laboratory of Human Nutrition. Overweight and obesity (age: 6–12). https://ind.obsan.admin.ch/en/indicator/monam/overweight-and-obesity-age-6-12 [Accessed 13.10.25] |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
% Adults (15+) living with obesity (self-reported), 1992-2022
Women
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | Federal Statistical Office. Swiss Health Surveys 1992-2022. https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/gesundheit/determinanten/uebergewicht.assetdetail.28725068.html [Accessed 09.10.25] |
| 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. | |
Men
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | Federal Statistical Office. Swiss Health Surveys 1992-2022. https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/gesundheit/determinanten/uebergewicht.assetdetail.28725068.html [Accessed 09.10.25] |
| 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. | |
Men and women
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | Federal Statistical Office. Swiss Health Surveys 1992-2022. https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/gesundheit/determinanten/uebergewicht.assetdetail.28725068.html [Accessed 09.10.25] |
| 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 (15+) living with overweight or obesity (self-reported), 1992-2022
Women
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | Federal Statistical Office. Swiss Health Surveys 1992-2022. https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/gesundheit/determinanten/uebergewicht.assetdetail.28725068.html [Accessed 09.10.25] |
| 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. | |
Men
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | Federal Statistical Office. Swiss Health Surveys 1992-2022. https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/gesundheit/determinanten/uebergewicht.assetdetail.28725068.html [Accessed 09.10.25] |
| 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. | |
Men and women
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | Federal Statistical Office. Swiss Health Surveys 1992-2022. https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/gesundheit/determinanten/uebergewicht.assetdetail.28725068.html [Accessed 09.10.25] |
| 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. | |
% Children (6-12) living with overweight or obesity (IOTF), 2002-2023
Boys and girls
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | ETH Zurich – Laboratory of Human Nutrition. Overweight and obesity (age: 6–12). https://ind.obsan.admin.ch/en/indicator/monam/overweight-and-obesity-age-6-12 [Accessed 13.10.25] |
| Definitions: | IOTF cutoffs |
| 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. | |
Girls
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | ETH Zurich – Laboratory of Human Nutrition. Overweight and obesity (age: 6–12). https://ind.obsan.admin.ch/en/indicator/monam/overweight-and-obesity-age-6-12 [Accessed 13.10.25] |
| Definitions: | IOTF cutoffs |
| 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. | |
Boys
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | ETH Zurich – Laboratory of Human Nutrition. Overweight and obesity (age: 6–12). https://ind.obsan.admin.ch/en/indicator/monam/overweight-and-obesity-age-6-12 [Accessed 13.10.25] |
| Definitions: | IOTF cutoffs |
| 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. | |
% Obesity in adults (25+) by education, 2002-2022
Men
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | Federal Statistical Office. Swiss Health Surveys 2002-2022. https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/gesundheit/determinanten/uebergewicht.assetdetail.28725068.html [Accessed 09.10.25] |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | Federal Statistical Office. Swiss Health Surveys 2002-2022. https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/gesundheit/determinanten/uebergewicht.assetdetail.28725068.html [Accessed 09.10.25] |
| 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. | |
