Overweight and obesity place a heavy burden on the health of children and adolescents. They are well-established risk factors for many chronic conditions – such as insulin resistance and respiratory diseases – and can be responsible for reducing life expectancy, as adverse health impacts often continue into adulthood. In recent decades, many countries have seen a rise in child and adolescent overweight and obesity rates, notably driven by changes in health behaviours – particularly poor dietary patterns and insufficient physical activity (OECD, 2019[1]).
In 2022, one in five 15‑year‑olds were either overweight or obese on average across OECD countries (Figure 4.23). The lowest rates were observed in the Netherlands and Denmark, where 14‑15% of adolescents were overweight or obese. In contrast, the highest rates were seen in Greece, Canada and Hungary, with 25% or more of adolescents considered either overweight or obese. A marked gender difference exists: overweight and obesity are significantly more prevalent among boys (25%) than girls (16%) across all countries. Substantial gender disparities exist in some countries: the rate of overweight or obesity was at least 50% higher among boys than girls in 5 out of 27 countries.
Over time, overweight and obesity rates have increased in most countries. Between 2014 and 2022, nearly 50% of OECD countries observed an increase (by over 3 p.p.) in adolescent overweight or obesity, with the highest increases in Austria and Lithuania as well as accession country Croatia. On average across countries, between 2014 and 2022, prevalence of adolescent overweight and obesity increased from 22% to 25% in boys, and from 13% to 16% in girls.
Adolescent overweight and obesity are influenced by social determinants – particularly the socio‑economic status of the family. In 2022, children and adolescents from least affluent families experienced higher rates of overweight and obesity compared to those from the most affluent families. Notable disparities persist: across OECD countries, overweight and obesity among 11‑, 13‑ and 15‑year‑olds was 60% higher in the least affluent families (Figure 4.24). Countries with the largest disparities include Denmark and Belgium as well as accession country Bulgaria, where overweight and obesity prevalence was at least twice as high in the least affluent compared to the most affluent families. However, Denmark and Belgium also have lower-than-average overall prevalence of overweight and obesity.
To address adolescent overweight and obesity, many countries have opted for a range of strategies aimed at improving diet and physical activity and encouraging healthier lifestyles. In response to rising obesity rates, Ireland implemented the Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016‑2025, which consists of multi-sectoral actions – including restrictions on marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks to children, involving the commercial sector notably through food reformulation, carrying out family-focussed awareness campaigns and community-based health promotion programmes, and reinforcing primary healthcare for childhood obesity prevention and management (Department of Health, 2016[2]). France has gradually implemented a regional programme called “Mission : retrouve ton cap”, which provides overweight and obese children and adolescents with free healthcare services and nutritional and psychology support for up to two years (Assurance Maladie, 2023[3]).
