Indicator 1.4 Overweight and obesity

Overview

In 2017–18, it was estimated that just over two-thirds (67%) of Australian adults were overweight or obese, based on their measured body mass index (BMI) from the National Health Survey (NHS).

Trends

After adjusting for age, the prevalence of overweight or obesity among Australian adults has increased from 50% in 2001 to 63% in 2007–08. The age-standardised proportion of adults who were overweight or obese remained stable between 2011–12 and 2014–15, before increasing to 67% in 2017–18.

The age-standardised proportion of men who were overweight or obese increased from 58% in 2001 to 74% in 2017–18. The proportion of women who were overweight or obese remained relatively stable (42% in 2001 and 45% in 2004–05), before increasing to 54% in 2007–08. Between 2007–08 and 2014–15, the proportion of women remained relatively stable around 54–55%, before increasing to 59% in 2017–18 (Figure 1.4.1).

Age and sex

The age-standardised proportion of men who were overweight or obese was higher than the proportion of women in 2017–18 (74% and 59%, respectively).

The prevalence of overweight or obesity among Australian adults aged 35–44 was 1.5 times as high as for those aged 18–24 (69% and 46%, respectively). The proportion of Australian adults who were overweight or obese was similar for all age groups over 45–54 (between 72% and 78%) (Figure 1.4.1).

Population groups

In 2017–18, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased with the level of disadvantage from 62% to 72% among those living in the highest socioeconomic areas and lowest socioeconomic areas, respectively. Further, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased with the level of remoteness from 65% in Major cities to around 70% in Inner regional and Outer regional areas (Figure 1.4.2).

State and territory

After adjusting for age, the proportion of Australian adults who were overweight or obese ranged from 64% in the Australian Capital Territory to 69% in Tasmania and South Australia in 2017–18 (Figure 1.4.2).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

In 2018–19, after adjusting for age, 77% of both Indigenous men and women were overweight or obese based on measured data from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS). Since 2012–13, this proportion has increased from 72% of Indigenous men and 73% of Indigenous women (Figure 1.4.2).

Based on measured data from the 2018–19 NATSIHS and 2017–18 NHS, the age-standardised proportion of Indigenous adults who were overweight or obese were significantly higher compared to non-Indigenous adults (77% compared with 57%, respectively).

Explore the data

1.4 Overweight or obesity among persons aged 18+, by age group and sex, 2001 to 2017–18 and by selected population group, 2017–18

Trends figure 1.4.1 shows the gradual increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity from 42% of women and 58% of men in 2001 to 59% of women and 74% of men in 2017–18. Increases during this period were recorded across all age groups. The prevalence of overweight and obesity peaked for both men and women in the 65–74 age group.

Population group figure 1.4.2 shows that in 2017–18, the prevalence of overweight and obesity varied by population group. Rates were 1.2 times higher among Indigenous people compared with non-Indigenous people and increased with both the level of remoteness and socioeconomic disadvantage. Among the states and territories, the prevalence of overweight and obesity varied slightly from 64% in the Australian Capital Territory to 69% in Tasmania.

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Indicator 1.4 data specifications

 

Definition

Data source

Numerator

Estimated number of adults (18+ years) with a measured body mass index (BMI) ≥25.

ABS 2019a; ABS 2019b ABS 2016; ABS 2013; ABS 2009; ABS 2006; ABS 2003.

 

Denominator

Estimated Australian population (18+ years).

ABS 2019a; ABS 2019b ABS 2016; ABS 2013; ABS 2009; ABS 2006; ABS 2003.