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Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Obesity in Scotland: a persistent inequality.
Elaine Tod1, Catherine Bromley2, Andrew D Millard3
1Public Health Observatory, NHS Health Scotland, Meridian Court, 5 Cadogan Street, Glasgow, G2 6QE, Scotland, UK. elaine.tod@nhs.net.
Obesity prevalence increased in Scotland, with body mass index (BMI) distributions shifting upwards in adults and rising in deprived children. Persistent inequalities in adult obesity exist, particularly for women, and may be worsening in children, necessitating environmental interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Inequalities
Background:
- Obesity is a significant health concern and a major risk factor for conditions like cardiovascular disease.
- Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Scotland rose between 1995-2008, with persistent socio-economic inequalities in adults and increasing disparities in children.
- Understanding changes in the underlying body mass index (BMI) distribution is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze shifts in body mass index (BMI) distribution in the Scottish population.
- To investigate trends in obesity prevalence and socio-economic inequalities among adults and children in Scotland.
- To compare BMI trends across different age groups, sexes, and deprivation strata.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Scottish Health Survey (SHeS) from 1995-2014 for adults (18-64 years).
- Incorporated SHeS data (1998-2014) and Child Health Systems Programme (CHSP) data for children (2-15 years).
- Calculated population BMI distributions and analyzed trends by age, sex, and deprivation quintiles.
Main Results:
- Adult BMI distribution shifted upwards from 1995-2008, followed by stabilization; obesity prevalence showed distinct patterns for men and women concerning deprivation.
- Obesity prevalence declined in the least deprived men, while converging in other quintiles; a persistent linear gradient was observed in women.
- Childhood obesity increased in the most deprived 40% from 1998-2014, contrasting with stable trends in the least deprived; persistent inequalities were noted in primary school children.
Conclusions:
- Adult BMI increased and stabilized, with persistent, sex-specific inequalities in obesity.
- Childhood obesity inequalities may be widening, highlighting the need for interventions.
- Structural changes addressing the obesogenic environment are essential to mitigate long-term health and social consequences of obesity.
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