OBESITY FIGURES IN FRANCE
The ObÉpi-Roche surveys, which have been taking place since 1997, are among the most reliable in terms of national surveys concerning the average BMI (Body Mass Index) of French people. We present here the results in a summarized way of the last survey, namely that of the year 2012.
Breakdown of the BMI of the French population
If you would like more information on the ObÉpi Roche surveys, then you can consult our dedicated page:
- Dossier on the 2012 ObÉpi Roche survey
- Dossier on the 2009 ObÉpi Roche survey
- Dossier on the 2006 ObÉpi Roche survey
It is through these specialized pages that you will be able to obtain more precise information on the figures for obesity in France.
WORLDWIDE OBESITY FIGURES
According to the WHO (World Health Organization) (2) , worldwide, the number of cases of obesity has doubled since 1980. According to the latest global figures (2008) in possession of the WHO, overweight and obesity affected 1.4 billion people aged 20 and over. A significant figure, representing 35% of the population of adults aged 20 and over.
That is to say that in the world, more than one person out of three does not have a “normal” corpulence. Also according to the WHO, 65% of the world’s population lives in countries where overweight (as well as obesity) kills more people every year than underweight itself.
SEX AND OBESITY
According to a recent study (1) , obese women have more problems related to sexuality than other women . This study carried out on 12,000 people by Nathalie BAJOS (research director at INSERM: French Institute for Health and Medical Research) was published by a medical journal in England and this study demonstrates (for the first time) that there is a correlation between BMI and sex life. This report also correlates BMI with sexual health (pleasure, abortion, etc.). Even if the study concerns both sexes, it is women who would be most affected by these correlations.
Women (under 30) who are already in a relationship and who have a BMI greater than 25 have as much sexual satisfaction as women whose BMI is between 18.5 and 25. On the other hand, concerning single people, women ( regardless of their age) whose BMI (body mass index) is greater than 25 are 30% more likely than others to have had no relationship in the last 12 months.
39% of men with a BMI over 25 are in a relationship with women who are also overweight (or obese).
67% of women with a BMI over 25 are in a relationship with men who are also overweight (or obese).
But being overweight has other consequences on sexual health: the vast majority of overweight women consult their doctor less for their contraception and some of them take the pill less than women who are not overweight. Consequence: overweight women have 4 times more unwanted pregnancies or abortions.
Obese women have a great lack of self-esteem and self-confidence. This lack of confidence leads to complexes about their bodies: the vision of sexuality is sometimes distorted.
DO NOT GIVE IN TO LACK OF CONFIDENCE AND ESTEEM
Regardless of the different statistics you see, whether you are overweight or obese, you must avoid this lack of self-confidence and you must escape this lack of self-esteem. Why ? Because your health is not only based on the simple calculation of the BMI – this data remains a mathematical value – your health also depends on an impressive number of factors, and among these factors stress is one of them. Feeling good about yourself is important for your health and it’s important for your daily life, remember that.