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

Adults in 2014–15 were more likely to be abdominally obese than those of the same age 20 years earlier at every age. At age 18–21, 15% of those born from 1994–1997 were obese compared with 8% of those born from 1974–1977 Overweight and obesity are more common among certain population groups including Indigenous Australians Adults in 2014–15 were more likely to be obese than those of the same age 20 years earlier at all but 1 age At age 18–21, 16.5% of those born in 1994–1997 were abdominally obese, compared with 7.2% of those born in 1974–1977. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of adults were overweight or obese in 2014–15; the proportion who are obese increased over time At age 2–5, 8.8% of those born in 2010–2013 were obese, compared with 4.2% of those born in 1990–1993. At age 18–21, 15.2% of those born in 1994–1997 were obese, compared with 8.0% of those born in 1974–1977. At age 14–17, 29.8% of those born in 1998–2001 were overweight or obese, compared with 18.7% of those born in 1978–1981. Adults in 2014–15 were more likely to be obese than those of the same age 20 years earlier at all but 1 age group. At age 22–25, 9.3% of those born in 1990–1993 were severely obese, compared with 3.1% of those born in 1970–1973. One-quarter (26%) of children and adolescents were overweight or obese in 2014–15 At age 10–13, 30.8% of those born in 2002–2005 were overweight or obese, compared with 23.9% of those born in 1982–1985.

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Highlights