Obesity and overweight are medical terms used to describe extra body fat that can affect a person's health. Population overweight and obesity has many influences, including social, genetic, biological and environmental factors.

The data presented uses the Body Mass Index (BMI) to classify weight status at a population level. A weight status in the overweight range is described as above a healthy weight. A weight status in the obese range is described as well above a healthy weight.

Reaching and staying at a healthy weight is one way to maintain health and wellbeing. Maintaining a healthy weight 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 NSW