Percentage of persons aged 15 years and more by Body Mass Index (BMI)



Frequency of data release: every 5-6 years
Statistical concepts and definition:
Body weight is possible to monitor thanks to special indicator called Body Mass Index which is defined as a relation between a person's weight and a height, by pattern as below:
BMI = weight (kg) / height (cm)2 / 10 000
Underweight is an indicator of low weight. A body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 indicates underweight.
Overweight is an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that poses a threat to human life and health. A body mass index (BMI) equal 25 or above means overweight.
Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health and life. A person with a BMI of 30 or more is generally considered obese.
Type of observation period: yearly data
Available time series: 2009, 2014
Disaggregation: BMI range, sex, age
Additional methodological notes:
Data are obtained as part of the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS), repeated every 5-6 years. The results of the survey present the health situation of the Union's residents and its conditions in connection with the demographic and social characteristics and place of residence.
The latest survey, carried out in 2014, was covered by EU legal regulation - for the first time all member countries were required to implement it, in accordance with Eurostat guidelines.
The results are representative at the country level and for selected information - also at the voivodship level.
The study was conducted by direct interview.
(.) - data not available, classified data (statistical confidentiality) or providing data impossible or purposeless
Data source, datadisposer: European Health Interview Survey – EHIS, Statistics Poland
Available data formats: xlsx, csv