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Date Published: 06/03/2026

Murcia's obesity crisis deepens: Two thirds now overweight

New health study reveals rise over 20 years, especially in men and rural spots

Two out of three adults in the Region of Murcia are overweight or obese, marking Murcia as a hotspot in Spain's ongoing battle against this public health issue. The latest DICA study from the Regional Ministry of Health, based on 2,226 adults across nine health areas, shows 66.4% affected: 39.8% overweight and 26.6% obese. This is up from 22.4% obesity in the 2002 DINO report, confirming a clear upward trend.

Yet while Spain bucks global child obesity trends, both Murcia's adults and children face the opposite – with two thirds now overweight [previous article on child obesity]

Obesity rises steadily with age, from 13.9% in the 20-29 group to 34.3% over 60. Men show higher rates at 27.7% obese and 46.3% overweight, compared to 25.6% and 33.4% for women - a shift from two decades ago when men had lower obesity. Rural areas suffer more too, with 28.9% obesity versus 26.1% urban. Area IX Vega Alta del Segura leads at 33.2%, while Area VI Vega Media del Segura is lowest at 17.9%.

The study links obesity to serious risks like hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea, cancers and depression. Health chief José Jesús Guillén calls it "a cause for concern" as it triggers other illnesses. "Obesity is a complicated problem to solve as it is multifactorial and also depends on the involvement of the population," he said.

Childhood trends worry experts most. With 24.5% of 6-9 year olds obese (above Spain's 17.3% average), adult rates may climb further. "The earlier obesity develops, the more difficult it is to treat in adulthood," the report warns, urging child-focused strategies.

Efforts include the Activa exercise programme (now ActivaMente for mental health) and school menu checks. Murcia pioneered healthy eating rules, favouring oven and grill cooking, low salt and no added sugars. Caterer Colectividades Antonia Navarro, managing half of school cafeterias, adapts 2.8% of menus for allergies via the 'Grandma Method:' their approach to home-style cooking that builds lifelong healthy habits. Researchers note these help but need stronger nutrition policies to reverse trends.

Image: Towfiqu barbhuiya/Unsplash

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