WIREDGOV

An Official Statistics publication for Scotland

Scotland’s Chief Statistician today released Obesity Indicators statistics. The publication reports the latest figures for indicators selected to monitor progress of the Scottish Government’s Prevention of Obesity Route Map.

Main findings

Overweight and obesity

In 2014, 65% of adults aged 16 and over were overweight, including 28% who were obese. Levels of overweight and obesity increased between 1995 and 2008, but have remained relatively stable since then.

Proportion of adults overweight or obese, 1995-2014

Since 1998, the proportion of children at risk of overweight (including obesity) fluctuated between 29% and 33% (31% in 2014).

Diabetes

At the end of 2014, there were 276,430 people diagnosed with diabetes in Scotland recorded on local diabetes registers. Of all cases, 88.3% (244,050) were type 2 diabetes. Prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to increase steadily.

Physical activity

Sixty three% of adults aged 16 and over met the current moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guideline. There has been no significant change to this proportion since 2012.

Seventy six% of children met physical activity recommendations (including school-based activity). This is a statistically significant increase compared to 71% of children in 2008 and 2009.

Diet

The percentage of food energy contributed by added sugars (14.5%) remains higher than the Scottish Dietary Goal of less than 11% of food energy.

In recent years, the volume of sales of regular soft drinks has reduced, while sales of confectionery, biscuits, cakes and pastries have remained relatively unchanged.

Background

The figures released yesterday were produced in accordance with professional standards set out in the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.

The full statistical publication is available at:

http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/11/2951

Data for most indicators in this report are updated to 2014. Many of the indicators presented have already been published by other sources.

The Scottish Government’s Prevention of Obesity Route Map is available at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/02/17140721/19

Official statistics are produced in accordance with professional standards. More information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland can be accessed at: 

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/About

Contact Information

SG Communications

SGCommunications@scot.gov.uk

Mark Taylor

mark.taylor@scot.gov.uk