Israeli health report shows rising obesity, diabetes and declining smoking rates

Israel's 2025 Community Healthcare Quality Indicators report reveals rising obesity and diabetes rates alongside a decline in smoking. Over 62% of men and 57% of women aged 20-64 are overweight or obese. Diabetes prevalence reached 11% among adults. Smoking rates fell to 19.1%.

The annual report of the National Program for Quality Indicators in Community Healthcare for 2025, published this morning (Tuesday), reveals large gaps between cities in Israel in obesity and smoking rates. Ashkelon leads in childhood obesity among 7-year-olds with 13.1%, compared to a national average of 8.6%. In contrast, Herzliya, Modi'in, and Tel Aviv recorded the lowest rates. Bat Yam recorded the highest smoking rates: 33.5% among men and 22.6% among women. The national smoking rate continues to decline, standing at 19.1% among those aged 16-74. Alongside this, obesity rates among adults continue to rise: about 62% of men and about 57% of women aged 20-64 are overweight or obese. Experts warn that childhood obesity data is a warning sign for future morbidity.