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.

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

Latest findings

Overweight and obesity are more common among certain population groups including Indigenous Australians Australian data on quality of life for people affected by overweight and obesity are underdeveloped Australia data on prevention, management and treatment activities for overweight and obesity are underdeveloped Nearly two-thirds (63%) of adults were overweight or obese in 2014–15; the proportion who are obese increased over time Adults in 2014–15 were more likely to be obese than those of the same age 20 years earlier at all but 1 age Australian data on death and disability related to overweight and obesity are underdeveloped At age 18–21, 15% of those born from 1994–1997 were obese compared with 8% of those born from 1974–1977 Australian data on the prevalence and risk factors for overweight and obesity are well developed One-quarter (26%) of children and adolescents were overweight or obese in 2014–15

Latest reports

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Highlights