Contains key statistics and information about population weight status using Body Mass Index (BMI) in NSW

Key Statistics

Almost 1 in 4 (24%) children aged 5 to 16 years were above (or well above) a healthy weight in NSW in 2023. This proportion has remained stable over the past 10 years.

Around 3 in 5 (59%) adults were above (or well above) a healthy weight in NSW in 2023. This proportion has been gradually increasing over time (from 53% in 2014).

Overview

Obesity is a medical term used to describe extra body fat that can affect a person's health. The data collected in NSW uses the Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine weight status. A weight status that is 'above a healthy weight' is also called overweight. 'Well above a healthy weight' is also called obese. Population overweight and obesity has many influences, including social, genetic, biological and environmental factors.

Reaching and staying at a healthy weight is one way to maintain health and wellbeing. It can also lower the risk of many diseases. NSW Health offers free programs, tools and resources to support people of all ages to eat healthily and stay active.

Being above a healthy weight increases the risk of poor health outcomes. Adults who are above a healthy weight are at a greater risk of chronic diseases and mental health conditions including anxiety and depression. Children who are above a healthy weight are more likely to remain above a healthy weight as adults.

Read through this page to learn more about population weight status in NSW. Click on the images and the indicators listed in the A-Z directory below to see more detailed NSW data on this topic.

Overweight and obesity

Data for Western NSW LHD

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