Overview

Excess weight, especially obesity, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some musculoskeletal conditions and some cancers. As the level of excess weight increases, so does the risk of developing these conditions. In addition, being overweight can hamper the ability to control or manage chronic conditions.

Featured reports

Latest findings

High use of leisure screen-based activities is associated with increased overweight and obesity in children

Children who have an active parent are more likely to be active than those with an inactive parent

In 2011–12, discretionary food contributed towards 39% of daily energy intake in those aged 2–18

One in four (25%) children and adolescents aged 2–17 were overweight or obese in 2017–18

2 in 3 (67%) adults were overweight or obese in 2017–18 – 36% were overweight but not obese and 31% were obese

Australia had the 9th highest proportion of overweight or obese people aged 15+ among 21 OECD member countries in 2021

More reports and statistics on overweight and obesity can be found under Food & nutrition and Physical activity.