• Overview
  • Obesity prevalence
  • Trends over time
  • Drivers
  • Comorbidities
  • Policies
  • Contextual factors
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National obesity risk *7/10This is a composite ‘obesity risk’ score (out of 10, the highest risk) based on obesity prevalence, rate of increase, likelihood of meeting the 2025 target, treatment indicator and childhood stunting levels.Childhood obesity risk *7.5/11This is a ‘risk score’ for each country’s likelihood of having or acquiring a major childhood obesity problem during the 2020s, taking account of current prevalence levels and risk for future obesity (based on stunting among infants, maternal obesity, maternal smoking, and breastfeeding rates).
* Based on estimated data. For more information see Publications

Obesity prevalence

Trends over time

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Drivers

Fruit consumption

Processed meat consumption

Grains consumption

Roots of obesity »

Like all chronic diseases, the root causes/drivers of obesity are complex. Select here to view 'other' root causes/drivers.

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Comorbidities

Diabetes prevalence

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Policies

National Obesity Strategy

Labelling

Management or treatment guidelines

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Contextual factors

Contextual factors

Obesity prevalence

Adults, 2013-2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:19+
Sample size:1440
Area covered:National
References:Chang HC, Yang HC, Chang HY, et al. Morbid obesity in Taiwan: Prevalence, trends, associated social demographics, and lifestyle factors. PLoS One. 2017;12(2):e0169577. Published 2017 Feb 2. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0169577
Definitions:Taiwanese cutoffs shown for BMI greater than or equal to 30kg/m² to allow comparison with standard WHO cutoffs.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Adults, 2013-2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:19+
Sample size:1440
Area covered:National
References:Chang HC, Yang HC, Chang HY, et al. Morbid obesity in Taiwan: Prevalence, trends, associated social demographics, and lifestyle factors. PLoS One. 2017;12(2):e0169577. Published 2017 Feb 2. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0169577
Cutoffs:Taiwanese cut offs
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
Download graph Add to chartbuilder Add to custom PDF

Adults, 2005-2008

Survey type:Measured
Age:19+
Sample size:1673
Area covered:National
References:Chang HC, Yang HC, Chang HY, et al. Morbid obesity in Taiwan: Prevalence, trends, associated social demographics, and lifestyle factors. PLoS One. 2017;12(2):e0169577. Published 2017 Feb 2. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0169577
Definitions:Taiwanese cutoffs shown for BMI greater than or equal to 30kg/m² to allow comparison with standard WHO cutoffs.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Adults, 2003-2006

Survey type:Measured
Age:19+
Sample size:2787
Area covered:National
References:Yeh, Chih-Jung, et al. "Time Trend of Obesity, the Metabolic Syndrome and Related Dietary Pattern in Taiwan: From NAHSIT 1993-1996 to NAHSIT 2005-2008." Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 20, no. 2, 2011, pp. 292-300.
Notes:BMI >27 also available NB. Combined adult data estimated. These estimates were calculated by weighting male and female survey results. Weighting based on World Bank Population % total female 2019 (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.FE.ZS - accessed 21.10.20)'
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Adults, 1993-1996

Survey type:Measured
Age:19+
Sample size:2860
Area covered:National
References:Yeh, Chih-Jung, et al. "Time Trend of Obesity, the Metabolic Syndrome and Related Dietary Pattern in Taiwan: From NAHSIT 1993-1996 to NAHSIT 2005-2008." Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 20, no. 2, 2011, pp. 292-300.
Notes:BMI > 27 also available
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
Download graph Add to chartbuilder Add to custom PDF

Adults, 1993-1996

Survey type:Measured
Age:19+
Sample size:3071
Area covered:National
References:Chang HC, Yang HC, Chang HY, et al. Morbid obesity in Taiwan: Prevalence, trends, associated social demographics, and lifestyle factors. PLoS One. 2017;12(2):e0169577. Published 2017 Feb 2. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0169577
Definitions:Taiwanese cutoffs shown for BMI greater than or equal to 30kg/m² to allow comparison with standard WHO cutoffs.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
Download graph Add to chartbuilder Add to custom PDF

Adults, 1993-1996

Survey type:Measured
Age:19+
Sample size:3071
Area covered:National
References:Chang HC, Yang HC, Chang HY, et al. Morbid obesity in Taiwan: Prevalence, trends, associated social demographics, and lifestyle factors. PLoS One. 2017;12(2):e0169577. Published 2017 Feb 2. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0169577
Cutoffs:Taiwanese cut offs
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
Download graph Add to chartbuilder Add to custom PDF

Children, 2006-2007

Survey type:Measured
Age:10-18
Sample size:29313
Area covered:National
References:Hsu YW, Liou TH, Liou YM, Chen HJ, Chien LY. Measurements and profiles of body weight misperceptions among Taiwanese teenagers: a national survey. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2016;25(1):108-17. doi: 10.6133/apjcn.2016.25.2.08. PMID: 26965769.
Notes:Also has prevalence by of based on recommended BMI classification according to the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Cutoffs:IOTF
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Children, 2001

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-18
Sample size:24586
Area covered:National
References:Chen LJ, Fox KR, Haase A and Wang JM. (2006). Obesity, fitness and health in Taiwanese children and adolescents. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 60: 1367 - 1375.
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
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Children, 1999

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-17
Sample size:13935
Area covered:National
References:Chen LJ, Fox KR, Haase A, Wang JM. Obesity, fitness and health in Taiwanese children and adolescents. EJCN 2006;online published ahead of print
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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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, %
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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 (%).
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Policies, Interventions and Actions

Evidence-based Guideline on Adult Obesity Prevention and Management 2023

Guidelines on obesity prevention and treatment. An update of the 2018 edition. (Available only in Taiwanese language)

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2023 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan Medicine Association for the Study of Obesity, Cochrane Taiwan
Find out more:taiwan.cochrane.org
Linked document:Download linked document

Evidence-based Guideline on Adult Obesity Prevention and Management 2018

Guidelines on obesity prevention and treatment. (Available only in Taiwanese language)

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2018-2023
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan Medicine Association for the Study of Obesity, Cochrane Taiwan
Find out more:taiwan.cochrane.org
Linked document:Download linked document

Taiwan's Obesity Prevention and Management Strategy

The Strategy outlines policies and strategies across different settings, including families, schools, workplaces, and healthcare institutions. Key objectives include strengthening healthcare services, creating supportive environments, enhancing awareness and education, and monitoring and evaluating obesity prevention efforts. The strategy does not specify numerical targets for reducing obesity prevalence but aims for a reduction in prevalence for school students and adults.

Categories:Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare
Linked document:Download linked document

Dietary Guideline Taiwan

Article in Taiwanese

Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Health Promotion Administration Ministry of Health and Welfare
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Dietary Guidelines Taiwan. Health Promotion Administration. Ministry of Health and Welfare (2016)

Regulations on Nutrition Labeling for Prepackaged Food Products

Mandatory national labelling guidelines for packaged foods and drinks. (Available only in English language)

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Taiwan Food and Drug Administration
Linked document:Download linked document

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?Unknown
Back-of-pack nutrition declaration?Unknown
Color coding?Absent
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)?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?Absent
National obesity strategy?Absent
National childhood obesity strategy?Absent
Comprehensive nutrition strategy?Absent
Comprehensive physical activity strategy?Absent
Evidence-based dietary guidelines and/or RDAs?Present
National target(s) on reducing obesity?Absent
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?Present
Within 5 years?Absent

Governance and resource

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

Key

Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown

Last updated November 27, 2022

See more policies here

Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions

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