Trends

Rates of overweight and obesity have increased rapidly around the world in recent decades. For Australian children, obesity is rising while overweight is starting to plateau after a sustained rise over decades. For Australian adults, obesity is on the rise while overweight remains steady. Very few Australian children or adults meet dietary guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake, and many have insufficient levels of physical activity. There are variations by Indigenous and socio-economic status.

67% Overweight or obesity prevalence of Australian adults in 2017-18 See evidence
24.9% Overweight or obesity prevalence of Australian children in 2017-18 See evidence
71.8% Overweight or obesity prevalence of Australian adults living in areas of most disadvantage in 2017-18 See evidence