Overweight and obesity statistics

Overweight
In 2011/12, five million Australians aged 18 and over were
overweight (BMI of 25.0kg/m
2
to 29.9kg/m
2
). This accounts
for more than a third (35%) of adult Australians.

Just over
three million Australian men were overweight, or 42% of all
males aged 18 and over.

Close to two million Australian
women were overweight, or approximately 28% of all females
aged 18 and over.

% Overweight by age and gender
1












Change in overweight status over time
Compared to 1995, the proportion of Australians that were
overweight in 2012 has fallen by 6%.

% Overweight by time period
1








Obesity
In 2011/12, more than one in four adult Australians were
obese.

This represents almost four million Australians aged
18 and over (BMI of 30.0kg/m
2
or more). Just over 2 million
Australian men were obese, or approximately 28% of all
males aged 18 and over.

Close to 2 million Australian women
were obese, or approximately 28% of all females aged 18 and
over.
% Obesity by age and gender
1











Change in obesity status over time
Compared to 1995, the proportion of Australians that are
obese in 2012 has increased by 47%.
% Obesity by time period
1






Socio-demographic status
In 2011/12, Australians living in regional/remote locations
and those in the highest disadvantaged group were
significantly more likely to be overweight/obese.

Being Australian born, having English as the main language
spoken at home and being employed also significantly
increased the likelihood of being overweight/obese.

% Overweight/obesity by socio-demographic status
1














Location
In 2011/12, the prevalence of overweight/obesity in adult
Australians was lowest in VIC and NSW. Prevalence of
overweight/obesity was highest in SA.



% Overweight/obese by state/territory
1












Attitudes towards weight
Over half (55.7%) of Australians are trying to lose weight.
Only 30% of Australians who are obese (based on their
BMI) described their weight status as obese. Furthermore,
only one in three obese people are concerned about their
weight.
2

References
1. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian Health Survey 2011/12
(4364.0)
2. Heart Foundation. Relevance Survey 2011
2012 National Heart Foundation of Australia ABN 98 008 419 761
This information sheet provides general advice only. Please see the Heart Foundation website at www.heartfoundation.org.au for Terms of Use.