Overweight and obesity

Parents/caretakers were asked questions on height and body weight, for both the children and the parents/caretakers themselves. Questions on height referred to height in cm without shoes and questions on bodyweight referred to weight in kg without clothes. Pregnant women were asked for their bodyweight prior to pregnancy. The measure for overweight and obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI is the quotient of a person’s body mass (weight) in kilograms and the square of their body height in metres [kg/m2].

Overweight

Percentage share of persons with a BMI of 25.0 kg/m2 or higher. For persons under the age of 18, other thresholds apply. These values depend on the person’s age and gender, and correspond with a BMI value of 25.0 kg/m2 for adults.

Severe overweight (obesity)

Percentage share of persons with a BMI of 30.0 kg/m2 or higher. For persons under the age of 18, other thresholds apply. These values depend on the person’s age and gender, and correspond with a BMI value of 30.0 kg/m2 for adults.