Deaths linked to obesity data: FOI release

Information requested

Since 2021 - any figures, estimates, or studies held by the Scottish Government regarding the number of deaths linked to obesity in Scotland, including any year-on-year changes between 2021 and 2025 if held.

Response

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not hold this data or any studies. As such, I hereby provide you with formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

Specific mortality data related to obesity in Scotland is not routinely reported. Obesity is a known risk factor for a range of chronic diseases but is not usually recorded as an underlying cause of death, see, Mortality - ScotPHO and scotpho070925_obesityinscotland_rep.pdf.

Colleagues at Public Health Scotland (PHS) highlighted a study known as the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) which has estimated deaths in Scotland attributable to high Body Mass Index (BMI), which includes both overweight and obesity. Figures are published for the period 1990 to 2021. This estimated 6.9% of deaths in Scotland in 2021 were attributable to high BMI. http://ihmeuw.org/76pz

It is important to note: a figure is also given for number of deaths, however, this estimate is greater than the number of total deaths that occurred in Scotland registered by National Records for Scotland (NRS). PHS advise this is largely because GBD use different underlying population estimates. They recommend using the percentage.

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