In recent years, Spain has become one of the few countries where the prevalence of obesity among adolescents has declined. This development carries special significance for families and the healthcare system, as the consequences of childhood obesity are directly linked to the nation’s future health. According to RUSSPAIN.COM, over the past fifteen years, the proportion of overweight children aged 10 to 19 has decreased, setting Spain apart from most other countries.
Trends and figures
According to a recent report published in March 2026, more than 2.1 million schoolchildren in Spain are overweight or obese. However, projections point to a further decrease by 2040. Between 2010 and 2025, the rate of childhood overweight dropped from 32.5% to 30.5%. Despite this progress, the issue remains significant: hundreds of thousands of teenagers face related health problems, such as hypertension, high triglycerides, and metabolic disorders.
There are about 154,000 children in the country with high blood pressure due to elevated body mass index, and 225,000 with dangerously high blood fat levels. More than 430,000 minors suffer from liver function disorders linked to metabolic issues, while 71,000 have increased blood sugar levels. These figures highlight that, even as the problem’s growth slows, health risks remain high.
Global context
Globally, the situation is alarming: more than 20% of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 are overweight or obese. By 2040, the number of such children could exceed half a billion. In ten countries, more than half of all school-aged children are affected by this problem, while in China, India, and the United States, the number of children with obesity exceeds 10 million in each country.
Most countries have failed to meet the goal of curbing childhood obesity by 2025. National measures to limit risk factors have yet to deliver the expected results. In Spain, experts note that although the rates remain high, the pace of growth is slowing, opening up opportunities for new solutions.
The role of society and action measures
Experts emphasize that a comprehensive approach is needed to sustainably reduce the number of overweight children. Educational nutrition programs in schools and creating opportunities for regular physical activity play an important role. According to Spanish doctors, only joint efforts by parents, educators, and authorities can change the situation in the long term.
The report notes that between 2025 and 2027, the number of children with obesity will, for the first time, surpass the number suffering from underweight. This will pose a new challenge for healthcare and social support systems.
In recent years, Spain and other European countries have seen growing discussions about initiatives to restrict advertising of unhealthy products to children, introduce taxes on sugary drinks, and support low-income families. Some regions have already established free sports clubs for schoolchildren and programs to teach healthy habits. These measures are gradually starting to show results, although there is still a long way to go before the situation significantly improves.
