The number of people affected by overweight or obesity has generally increased in France between 1996 and 2017, according to Public Health France.
- The proportion of men reporting themselves as overweight (including obese) increased between 1996 and 2008, from 40% to 48% respectively. Since then, the rate has remained at a level of between 48% and 50%.
- Reported overweight (including obesity) among women was less than 25% in 1996 and reached 39% in 2017.
- For Public Health France, the levels of overweight and obesity among adults in France are very high and require the intensification of prevention policies.
For several years, health professionals have been warning of the emergence of an “obesity epidemic” in the world. And France is not spared from this phenomenon in view of the weekly epidemiological bulletin from Public Health France, published on September 10, 2024.
Indeed, this report shows that overweight and obesity – major risks of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and certain cancers – have generally increased in France between 1996 and 2017.
An increase in corpulence among the French over the past 20 years
To take stock of the weight of the French, the health agency interviewed by telephone a total of 124,541 people aged 18 to 75 (55,356 men and 69,185 women) between 1996 and 2017. First observation: the declared corpulence has increased overall in the country, but differently according to gender. The proportion of men who are overweight or obese is higher. However, the male gender seems to have reached a ceiling of around 48-50% since 2008. While fewer women have a BMI above normal (25), their number continues to climb. It went from 25% in 1996 to 39% in 2017.
Concerning obesity specifically (BMI of 30 or more), its frequency is also increasing. However, the evolution is similar in both sexes. Around 14% of the French population was considered obese in 2016. For comparison, the rate was 7% for men and 6% for women in 1996.
Obesity and overweight: prevention must be stepped up
The authors of the report acknowledge that these trends, established based on declarative data, will need to be confirmed by real measurements. They add, however, that the levels of overweight and obesity among adults in France “remain very high” And “require the intensification of prevention policies in this area”.
For them, it is essential that programs to combat overweight and obesity be put in place. In order to limit excessive and unhealthy weight gain, measures are needed to encourage a healthy and balanced diet, promote regular physical activity and combat the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
“Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, certain cancers or the risk of premature death, as well as certain infectious diseases as was highlighted during the Covid-19 crisis. Preventing overweight and obesity is therefore a major public health issue,” recalls the agency.