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Adult obesity rate

Percentage of adults aged 18+ with a BMI over 30. The UK has one of the highest obesity rates in Western Europe.

30 %
+1.0pp vs 2022

As of 2024

Historical trend

Trend summary

Adult obesity rate was 30% in 2024, up from 29% in 2022.

Trend

  • Over the available record (1993–2024), it has ranged from 15% in 1993 to 30% in 2024.
  • The most recent reading is the highest in the available record.

Context

  • The Health Survey for England uses objectively measured height and weight, not self-reported values.
  • BMI is widely used for population surveillance but has acknowledged limitations as an individual measure of adiposity.

Generated from the published series — describes direction, magnitude and range only, with no editorial judgement or forecasts.

OECD comparison

🇯🇵 Japan
4.5 %
🇮🇹 Italy
12 %
🇫🇷 France
17 %
🇩🇪 Germany
22 %
🇨🇦 Canada
30 %
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
30 %
🇺🇸 United States
42 %

About this indicator

Source
NHS Digital/ OECD
Update frequency
Annual
Last updated
10 July 2026
Next update
10 July 2027
Licence
OGL v3
Direction
↑ Rising

Statistics

Latest
30 %
Period high
30 %
Period low
30 %
Period average
30 %