HC Deb 18 July 1996 vol 281 cc640-1W
Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the estimated percentage of(a) men and (b) women, aged (i) 16 to 64 years and (ii) 64 years and over, who were obese for each year since 1979; and if he will make a statement. [37369]

Mr. Gwilym Jones

Health Promotion Wales carried out surveys concerning obesity in 18 to 64-year-olds in 1985, 1988, 1990 and 1993 and for 65 to 75-year-olds in 1993. The information is given in the following table. The 1996 survey is currently being undertaken and results should be available next spring.

Per cent. of the population who were obese1
1985 1988 1990 1993
Residents aged 18 to 64:
Men 7.2 7.3 7.9 10.8
Women 14.5 15.3 16.7 18.3
Residents aged 65 to 74:
Men 2 2 2 10.1
Women 2 2 2 21.0
1 Overweight or obese is defined as body mass index (weight (Kg)/(height (m))
2 of 30 or more for males, 28 or more for females based on self reported weight and height.
2 Not available.