Alarming Data: One in Two Adults in Israel Lives with Overweight or Obesity

Maccabi data reveals that about 50% of adults in Israel live with overweight or obesity, and about 23% are defined as obese. It also shows that about 26% of children struggle with overweight or obesity. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2026, 764 million adults and 157 million children worldwide live with overweight and obesity. For the first time, the number of children with obesity surpasses the number of underweight children. Maccabi launches an AI-based digital nutrition coach, used by about 100,000 users.

Data from Maccabi Health Services reveals a concerning picture: about 50% of adults in Israel live with overweight or obesity, with about 23% defined as obese. Among children, about 26% struggle with overweight or obesity. The data was published against the backdrop of the World Obesity Atlas for 2026, according to which 764 million adults and 157 million children and adolescents worldwide live with overweight and obesity. For the first time in history, the number of children and adolescents (ages 5-19) living with obesity surpasses the number of underweight children globally. Maccabi emphasized the importance of digital tools for adopting healthy eating habits. As part of the health fund's activities, an AI-based digital nutrition coach was launched about nine months ago, used by about 100,000 users. About 34,000 users uploaded at least one photo of a meal, and over half a million interactions with the coach were conducted, averaging more than 50,000 per month. Users perform an average of about 11 actions per week. A Maccabi official was quoted: "It's exciting to see how the integration of technological tools contributes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But alongside this, it's important to emphasize that the digital coach does not replace professional nutritional counseling in medical cases."