Majority of Jersey Adults Overweight as Exercise Levels Fall Short, Report Finds

More than half of adults in Jersey are overweight or obese, while many are not getting enough exercise, according to a new public health report.

Public Health Jersey (PHJ) found that 56% of adults on the island were overweight or obese in 2025. The figures showed a notable gender gap, with 66% of men affected compared with 48% of women.

The 2025 Obesity, Diet and Physical Activity report also revealed that only 54% of adults met the physical activity levels recommended by the UK Chief Medical Officers. The findings indicated that people experiencing financial difficulties were more likely to have poorer diets and lower levels of physical activity.

Health guidance recommends adults complete at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, each week, or 75 minutes of more vigorous activity like running or swimming.

The report highlighted clear inequalities in activity levels. Men, younger adults, homeowners, and those with fewer financial pressures or more free time were more likely to meet exercise recommendations. In contrast, women, older adults, and people facing financial or time constraints were less likely to achieve the recommended levels.

Time constraints were identified as a significant barrier. Just 46% of adults who described themselves as very time-poor met exercise guidelines, compared with 67% of those who said they had enough time.

Diet also remained a concern. Only 31% of adults reported eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, while 15% said they had skipped buying fruit and vegetables due to cost.