Canary Islands record the highest obesity rate in Spain
More than one in five adults in the Canary Islands are obese, the highest rate in Spain, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Health. The issue is also affecting young people, with nearly 20% of children in the archipelago classified as obese and more than 44% carrying excess weight.
Health experts warn that the situation represents a serious public health concern. In total, around 21% of adults in the Canary Islands suffer from obesity, while more than 35% are considered overweight.
Among children and teenagers, the figures are particularly worrying, with nearly half of young people above a healthy weight. Across Spain, more than 2.1 million minors are estimated to be overweight or obese.
Obesity is widely regarded as a gateway to several chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension. These conditions together account for around 82% of deaths in Spain, underlining the scale of the health risk.
Although the World Health Organization classifies obesity as a disease, many people still see it primarily as a personal issue. In Spain, 64% of individuals living with obesity say they believe their weight is mainly due to personal choices. More than half (57%) think diet and exercise alone can solve obesity in most cases, while only 44% recognise that genetics and biological factors play a major role.
Despite widespread concern about weight, medical advice is not always sought. Around 90% of people with obesity in Spain have considered losing weight or have been advised to do so, but only 35% have actually consulted a doctor. Those who did were usually advised to adopt healthier lifestyles, such as improving diet (61%), increasing physical activity (60%) and reducing portion sizes (43%).
Specialists emphasise that obesity and overweight are caused by a complex combination of factors. These include genetics and biology, but also socioeconomic circumstances and modern lifestyle patterns. Frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods, often linked to lack of time, increasing sedentary behaviour, reduced physical activity, poor sleep, and rising levels of stress and anxiety all contribute to the problem.
Another major challenge is social stigma. Studies indicate that up to 88% of people living with obesity experience some form of discrimination related to their condition.
In response, the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS) has introduced a pioneering programme designed to tackle obesity through comprehensive and multidisciplinary care. The initiative aims to improve diagnosis, treatment and long-term monitoring of patients, while promoting early detection and greater awareness of obesity as a chronic disease. It also focuses on preventing related health conditions and encouraging healthier lifestyle habits.
Alongside this, the Canary Islands’ Childhood Obesity Prevention Plan (POICAN) aims to improve nutrition among children under 12, encourage at least one hour of daily physical activity, reduce sedentary leisure time, promote breastfeeding and identify risk factors at an early stage.
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