The latest Scottish Health Survey results, released on November 12, 2024, reveal a concerning health crisis in Scotland as nearly one-third of adults are now living with obesity. The figure has risen to 32%, marking a significant increase from 24% recorded in 2003, indicating a worrying trend over the past two decades.

This latest survey reveals not only obesity trends but also insights into various health-related issues affecting adults across Scotland. Alarmingly, food insecurity has surged, with 14% of adults reporting difficulties in accessing sufficient food, up from 9% in 2021. This represents the highest level of food insecurity recorded since the initiation of the survey in 2017.

Moreover, while the use of e-cigarettes has gained traction, 12% of adults are now utilizing vaping devices – an increase from 10% in 2022. The highest usage was noted among younger adults aged 16-24, where the prevalence reached 22%.

Conversely, hazardous drinking has seen a significant decline. The latest figures show that 20% of adults now drink at risky levels, compared to 34% back in 2003. Notably, men are twice as likely to engage in hazardous drinking than women, with 28% of men and 14% of women admitting to harmful consumption.

Mental health indicators present a more mixed picture. The average Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing (WEMWBS) score rose to 48.9 in 2023, up from 47.0 in the previous year. However, 21% of adults exhibited signs of potential psychiatric disorders, consistent with levels seen in 2021, following a spike to 27% in 2022.

Loneliness remains a persistent issue, with 10% of adults reporting feelings of loneliness most or all the time. This figure is particularly pronounced among young adults ages 16-24 (19%) and those residing in the most deprived areas (14%).

The survey also highlights a growing prevalence of long-term health conditions, which stands at 38% among adults. Although the rate of cardiovascular disease among adults remains stable at 15%, the prevalence of long COVID is a growing concern, affecting 8% of adults and 2% of children, revealing a marked increase since previous years.

Regarding health training, over half of the adults, 57%, have participated in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training at some point, while 18% have been trained in the last two years.

Furthermore, the report indicated that about 15% of adults are current smokers, unchanged from 2022. Drug use has remained steady as well, with 14% of adults reporting they used drugs within the past year. The figure is highest among those aged 16–34, where it ranges between 26% to 27%.

The findings from the 2023 Scottish Health Survey paint a complex picture of health in Scotland, showcasing both alarming trends and areas of improvement. The statistics serve as a call to action for health organizations and policymakers to address rising obesity rates, food insecurity, and mental health challenges to improve overall wellbeing in the population. The full results and key indicators are accessible via the Scottish Health Survey Dashboard, providing valuable insights for NHS health boards and local authorities.