[Epidemiological aspects of overweight and obesity in Japan--international comparisons]

Prevalence of obesity (BMI > or = 30) in Japanese adults (aged 20 years and over) was 3.8% in males and 3.2% in females (National Health and Nutrition Survey, 2010), being quite low compared with other countries listed in the Global Database on Body Mass Index (WHO). On the other hand, prevalence of overweight (BMI > or = 25) was 30.4% in males and 21.1% in females, of which overweight in males has increased in recent 35 years almost twice from 15% to 30%. Although the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Japanese adults is rather low in international comparisons, control for the obesity-associated risks through the promotion of appropriate body weight management has been prioritized in the national health programs.