Health Survey for England, 2021 part 1

Mean BMI calculated from adjustments to self-reported height and weight was similar among men and women: 27.5kg/m² and 27.2kg/m² respectively.

Mean BMI increased with age and was highest among adults between the ages of 45 and 74.

A higher proportion of men (69%) than women (59%) were either overweight or obese. A much greater difference between the sexes was seen in the middle-aged groups. For example, among those aged 16 to 24, 32% of men and 24% of women were either overweight or obese. The equivalent proportions among those aged 45 to 54 were 82% of men and 65% of women.

Obesity levels were similar among men and women: 25% and 26% respectively. Obesity increased with age from 8% of adults aged 16 to 24, to 32% of those aged 65 to 74, before decreasing in those aged 75 and over to 26%.

For more information: Table 1.

Estimates by region are shown in the tables as both observed and age-standardised. Based on BMI derived from adjustments to self-reported height and weight, observed estimates show the actual levels of overweight and obesity in each region.

Comparisons between regions should be based on the age-standardised data, which take into account the different regional age profiles.

The proportion of adults who were either overweight or obese was highest in the North East (72%) and was lowest in London (61%) and the South East and South West (both 60%).

Among all adults, the prevalence of obesity was highest in the North East (34%) and was lowest in the East Midlands (23%) and the South West (22%).

For more information: Table 2.

Index of Multiple Deprivation

The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) is a measure of area deprivation, based on 39 indicators, across seven domains of deprivation. IMD is a measure of the overall deprivation experienced by people living in a neighbourhood, although not everyone who lives in a deprived neighbourhood will be deprived themselves. To enable comparisons, areas are classified into quintiles (fifths). For further information about the IMD, see the Methods report.

Obesity prevalence was lowest among adults living in the least deprived areas (20%) and highest in the most deprived areas (34%).

The proportion of men who were either overweight or obese was lowest in the least deprived quintile (64%) and highest in the most deprived quintiles (72% and 71% in the fourth and most deprived group, respectively).

A much greater difference was seen for women than for men. For women, the proportion who were either overweight or obese was 52% in the least and second least deprived quintiles, compared with 72% in the most deprived. 

Mean BMI, calculated from adjustments to self-reported height and weight, varied by IMD quintile more for women than men. Among men, mean BMI increased from 26.8kg/m² in the least deprived quintile to 28.2kg/m² in the most deprived quintile. Among women, mean BMI increased from 26.1kg/m² in the least deprived quintile to 29.0kg/m² in the most deprived quintile.

For more information: Table 3.