• Overview
  • Obesity prevalence
  • Trends over time
  • Population breakdowns
  • Actions
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Much responsibility for healthcare in the UK is devolved, meaning that figures are more generally available for each devolved nation. You can view data for England, Northern Ireland or Scotland. Some figures are also collated for the United Kingdom as a whole.

Obesity prevalence

Trends over time

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Population breakdowns

By age

By region

By socio-economic group

By ethnicity

Drivers

Roots of obesity »

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

Actions

National Obesity Strategy

Nutritional or Health Strategy

Physical Activity

Community Interventions

Transnational Obesity Strategies

Obesity prevalence

Adults, 2019-2020

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:16+
Sample size:5786
Area covered:National
References:National Health Survey for Wales 2019-20. https://statswales.gov.wales/Catalogue/National-Survey-for-Wales/Population-Health/Adult-Lifestyles (last accessed 30.09.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Adults, 2017-2018

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:16+
Sample size:11381
Area covered:National
References:Self-reported
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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Children, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:32160
Area covered:National
References:Welsh Child Measurement Programme 2017-18 - http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/page/67795 (last accessed 8.03.19)
Notes:UK 90 Growth Reference. 85th & 95th Centile
Cutoffs:Other
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Children, 2016-2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:24236
Area covered:National
References:Public Health Wales. (2018). The Child Measurement Programme for Wales 2016/17. Available: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/888/12743%20PHW%20CMP%20Report%20%28Eng%29.pdf. Last accessed 9th Oct 2018.
Cutoffs:Other
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Children, 2015-2016

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:33327
Area covered:National
References:Child Measurement Programme 2015-6 http://www.wales.nhs.uk/
Notes:85th & 95th centile not IOTF cut off
Cutoffs:Other
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Children, 2014-2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:24284
Area covered:National
References:Child Measurement Programme 2014-5. http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/888/12318%20PHWO%20Child%20Measurement%20Eng%20August.pdf
Notes:85th & 95th centile not IOTF cut off
Cutoffs:Other
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Children, 2013-2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:30669
Area covered:National
References:Child Measurement Programme 2013/4 http://www2.nphs.wales.nhs.uk:8080/ChildMeasurementDocs.nsf/85c50756737f79ac80256f2700534ea3/692fe9649b4fc8be80257e49002a4bcb/$FILE/ATT0SH7G.pdf (last accessed 9th June 2015)
Notes:NOT IOTF, 85th & 95th Centile
Cutoffs:Other
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Overweight/obesity by age

Adults, 2019-2020

Survey type:Self-reported
Sample size:57886
Area covered:National
References:National Health Survey for Wales 2019-20. https://statswales.gov.wales/Catalogue/National-Survey-for-Wales/Population-Health/Adult-Lifestyles (last accessed 30.09.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Adults, 2017-2018

Survey type:Self-reported
Sample size:2354 Male, 2718 Female
Area covered:National
References:Welsh Government. (2018). Wales National survey 2017-18 Health Related Survey adults. Available: https://gov.wales/docs/statistics/2018/180627-national-survey-2017-18-population-health-lifestyle-en.pdf. Last accessed 4th Oct 2018.
Notes:This data is Self-Report.
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, 2015

Survey type:Self-reported
Sample size:13656
Area covered:National
References:Welsh Health Survey 2015. http://gov.wales/statistics-and-research/welsh-health-survey/?lang=en (last accessed 9th June 2016)
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:Self-reported
Sample size:14170
Area covered:National
References:Welsh Health Survey http://gov.wales/statistics-and-research/welsh-health-survey/?lang=en (last accessed 12th June 2014)
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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Overweight/obesity by region

Adults, 2019-2020

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:16+
Sample size:5786
Area covered:National
References:National Health Survey for Wales 2019-20. https://statswales.gov.wales/Catalogue/National-Survey-for-Wales/Population-Health/Adult-Lifestyles (last accessed 30.09.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Boys, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:32160
Area covered:National
References:Welsh Child Measurement Programme 2017-18 - http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/page/67795 (last accessed 8.03.19)
Notes:UK 90 Growth Reference. 85th & 95th Centile
Cutoffs:Other
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Girls, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:32160
Area covered:National
References:Welsh Child Measurement Programme 2017-18 - http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/page/67795 (last accessed 8.03.19)
Notes:UK 90 Growth Reference. 85th & 95th Centile
Cutoffs:Other
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Boys, 2016-2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:24,236
Area covered:National
References:Public Health Wales. (2018). The Child Measurement Programme for Wales 2016/17. Available: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/888/12743%20PHW%20CMP%20Report%20%28Eng%29.pdf. Last accessed 9th Oct 2018.
Cutoffs:Other
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Girls, 2016-2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:24,236
Area covered:National
References:Public Health Wales. (2018). The Child Measurement Programme for Wales 2016/17. Available: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/888/12743%20PHW%20CMP%20Report%20%28Eng%29.pdf. Last accessed 9th Oct 2018.
Cutoffs:Other
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Boys, 2013-2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:30669
Area covered:National
References:http://www2.nphs.wales.nhs.uk:8080/ChildMeasurementDocs.nsf/85c50756737f79ac80256f2700534ea3/692fe9649b4fc8be80257e49002a4bcb/$FILE/ATT0SH7G.pdf (last accessed 9th June 2015)
Notes:85th-95th centile for overweight, 95th centile for obesity
Cutoffs:Other
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Girls, 2013-2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:30669
Area covered:National
References:http://www2.nphs.wales.nhs.uk:8080/ChildMeasurementDocs.nsf/85c50756737f79ac80256f2700534ea3/692fe9649b4fc8be80257e49002a4bcb/$FILE/ATT0SH7G.pdf (last accessed 9th June 2015)
Notes:85th-95th centile for overweight, 95th centile for obesity
Cutoffs:Other
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Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group

Adults, 2019-2020

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:16+
Sample size:5786
Area covered:National
References:National Health Survey for Wales 2019-20. https://statswales.gov.wales/Catalogue/National-Survey-for-Wales/Population-Health/Adult-Lifestyles (last accessed 30.09.20)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
Download this graph Add to custom PDF

Adults, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:16+
Sample size:14170
Area covered:National
References:Welsh Health Survey http://gov.wales/statistics-and-research/welsh-health-survey/?lang=en (last accessed 12th June 2014)
Notes:Age standardised trends by Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation quintile (WIMD) (d) Trend data available from 2003-2014
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, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:16+
Sample size:14170
Area covered:National
References:Welsh Health Survey http://gov.wales/statistics-and-research/welsh-health-survey/?lang=en (last accessed 12th June 2014)
Notes:Age standardised trends by socio-economic classification of household reference person (NS-SEC) Trend data available from 2003 to 2014.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
Download this graph Add to custom PDF

Boys, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:32160
Area covered:National
References:Welsh Child Measurement Programme 2017-18 - http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/page/67795 (last accessed 8.03.19)
Notes:UK 90 Growth Reference. 85th & 95th Centile
Cutoffs:Other
Download this graph Add to custom PDF

Girls, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:32160
Area covered:National
References:Welsh Child Measurement Programme 2017-18 - http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/page/67795 (last accessed 8.03.19)
Notes:UK 90 Growth Reference. 85th & 95th Centile
Cutoffs:Other
Download this graph Add to custom PDF

Boys, 2016-2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:24236
Area covered:National
References:Public Health Wales. (2018). The Child Measurement Programme for Wales 2016/17. Available: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/888/12743%20PHW%20CMP%20Report%20%28Eng%29.pdf. Last accessed 9th Oct 2018.
Cutoffs:Other
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Girls, 2016-2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:24236
Area covered:National
References:Public Health Wales. (2018). The Child Measurement Programme for Wales 2016/17. Available: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/888/12743%20PHW%20CMP%20Report%20%28Eng%29.pdf. Last accessed 9th Oct 2018.
Cutoffs:Other
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Boys, 2014-2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:24284
Area covered:National
References:Child Measurement Programme 2014-15. http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/888/12318%20PHWO%20Child%20Measurement%20Eng%20August.pdf
Notes:85th/95th centile NOT IOTF cut off
Cutoffs:Other
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Girls, 2014-2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:24284
Area covered:National
References:Child Measurement Programme 2014-15. http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/888/12318%20PHWO%20Child%20Measurement%20Eng%20August.pdf
Notes:85th/95th centile NOT IOTF cut off
Cutoffs:Other
Download this graph Add to custom PDF

Boys, 2014-2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:24284
Area covered:National
References:Child Measurement Programme 2014-15. http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/888/12318%20PHWO%20Child%20Measurement%20Eng%20August.pdf
Notes:85th/95th centile NOT IOTF cut off
Cutoffs:Other
Download this graph Add to custom PDF

Girls, 2014-2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:24284
Area covered:National
References:Child Measurement Programme 2014-15. http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/888/12318%20PHWO%20Child%20Measurement%20Eng%20August.pdf
Notes:85th/95th centile NOT IOTF cut off
Cutoffs:Other
Download this graph Add to custom PDF

Boys, 2013-2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:30669
Area covered:National
References:Child Measurement Programme 2013/4 http://www2.nphs.wales.nhs.uk:8080/ChildMeasurementDocs.nsf/85c50756737f79ac80256f2700534ea3/692fe9649b4fc8be80257e49002a4bcb/$FILE/ATT0SH7G.pdf (last accessed 9th June 2015)
Notes:85th-95th centile for overweight 95th centile for obesity
Cutoffs:Other
Download this graph Add to custom PDF

Girls, 2013-2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:30669
Area covered:National
References:Child Measurement Programme 2013/4 http://www2.nphs.wales.nhs.uk:8080/ChildMeasurementDocs.nsf/85c50756737f79ac80256f2700534ea3/692fe9649b4fc8be80257e49002a4bcb/$FILE/ATT0SH7G.pdf (last accessed 9th June 2015)
Notes:85th-95th centile for overweight 95th centile for obesity
Cutoffs:Other
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Overweight/obesity by ethnicity

Children, 2013-2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:4-5
Sample size:30669
Area covered:National
References:Child Measurement Programme 2013/4 http://www2.nphs.wales.nhs.uk:8080/ChildMeasurementDocs.nsf/85c50756737f79ac80256f2700534ea3/692fe9649b4fc8be80257e49002a4bcb/$FILE/ATT0SH7G.pdf (last accessed 9th June 2015)
Cutoffs:Other
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Actions

Health Weight: Healthy Wales

A long term strategy on helping people make healthy choices and to be more active to help prevent and reduce obesity. The Strategy is set out across our four themes: Healthy Environments, Healthy Settings, Healthy People and Leadership and Enabling Change.

Categories:Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2019 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Welsh Government
Find out more:gov.wales
Linked document:Download linked document

Every Child Wales

Public Health Wales launched the Every Child Wales programme in recognition of the fact that every child has the right to the very best start in life and to help them along the way. The website is aimed at parents from when they are planning their pregnancy to when their child is five.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Public Health Wales
Find out more:everychildwales.co.uk

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

EU Action plan. To contribute to halting the rise in overweight and obesity in children and young people (0-18 years) by 2020

Categories:Transnational Obesity Strategies/Policy or Action Plan
Year(s):2014-2020
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Find out more:ec.europa.eu
Linked document:Download linked document
References:EU Action Plan on Childhood Table of contents [Internet]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/files/nutrition_physical_activity/docs/childhoodobesity_actionplan_2014_2020_en.pdf ‌

The Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Wales) Regulations 2013

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

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2013 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Welsh Government
Find out more:www.assembly.wales
Linked document:Download linked document

Developing and Managing Play Spaces

The toolkit is intended to provide a single source of support and signposting for community groups to navigate some of the challenges of managing or developing a play space. Originally published in 2012, it has been updated in 2016 to include latest information, legislation and resources.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2012 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Play Wales
Find out more:www.playwales.org.uk
Linked document:Download linked document

All Wales Obesity Pathway

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

Categories (partial):Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2010 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Welsh Assembly Government
Find out more:www.wales.nhs.uk

Creating an Active Wales

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

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2009 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Welsh Government
Find out more:www.wales.nhs.uk
Linked document:Download linked document

Appetite for Life Action Plan

Welsh Assembly Government (2007) Appetite for Life Action Plan sets out the strategic direction and actions required to improve the nutritional standards of food and drink provided in schools in Wales.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2008 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Welsh Government
Find out more:www.wales.nhs.uk

Developing a Whole School Food and Fitness Policy

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

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

Food & Fitness- Promoting Healthy Eating and Physical Activity for Children and Young People in Wales. 5 Year Implementation Plan

This 5 Year Implementation Plan provides a framework for integrating action on nutrition and physical activity for children and young people in Wales.

Categories (partial):Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2006-2011
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Welsh Government
Find out more:www.wales.nhs.uk

Climbing Higher

The Welsh Assembly Government Strategy for Sport & Physical Activity. This is the Welsh Assembly Government's long-term strategy for sport and physical activity, setting out its strategic direction in Wales for the next twenty years.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2005 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Welsh Government
Find out more:gov.wales
Linked document:Download linked document

Health Challenge Wales

Health Challenge Wales has been developed to signposts members of the public to information or activity to help them improve their own health. It also engages with organisations to look after the health of their staff and customers

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2005 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Public Health Wales
Find out more:healthchallengewales.org

Free Swimming

The Assembly Government is funding free swimming in Wales for under 16s and the over 60s. This initiative is aimed at increasing participation in physical activity and improving the health and well-being of the nation by removing barriers and improving access to local authority leisure services.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2003 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Sports Wales
Find out more:sport.wales

No actions could be found for the above criteria.

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