Murcia health data shows high obesity and smoking rates

According to the 2025 Spanish Health Survey released by the National Statistics Institute (INE), obesity affects 18.9% of adults in the Region of Murcia. This rate is higher than the national average of 17.2%, placing the region third in Spain behind the Canary Islands and Castilla-La Mancha. The data shows a gender disparity, with obesity affecting 21.9% of women compared to 16% of men.

Additionally, the survey indicates that 17.7% of residents in Murcia smoke daily, which is higher than the national average of 15.4%. However, the region reported the lowest rate of intensive monthly alcohol consumption at 7.4% among all autonomous communities. Regarding general well-being, 67.1% of the population rates their health as good or very good, slightly below the national average of 68.3%.

In response to regional health challenges, the Murcia Health Plan 2026-2032 will prioritize the prevention of cognitive decline and the promotion of brain health. The regional Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Association of Relatives and Patients of Alzheimer's (Afade) and the Catholic University of San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM) to implement early intervention strategies and promote healthy aging.