# Spanish public health trends and regional statistics

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-public-health-trends-and-regional-statistics
> Updated: 2026-10-19T17:49:40.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2.

Data from the 2025 Spanish Health Survey, released by the National Statistics Institute (INE), highlights shifting public health trends across Spain. Nationally, daily tobacco consumption has reached a historic low of 15.4%, though research suggests passive smoking exposure has risen to 23.8% due to factors like electronic cigarettes. 

Despite lower smoking rates, other health indicators show deterioration. Approximately 66.2% of the population over 15 reports suffering from a chronic illness, an increase of 8.5 percentage points since 2023. Common issues include high cholesterol, hypertension, and chronic lower back pain. Obesity affects 17.2% of adults nationally, while depressive symptoms affect 16.2% of the population. Alcohol consumption also shows an upward trend, with 35.1% of people drinking habitually.

In the Region of Murcia, specific challenges are noted. Obesity affects 18.9% of adults, a rate higher than the national average, with a notable gender disparity where 21.9% of women are affected compared to 16% of men. Daily smoking in Murcia is also higher than the national average at 17.7%. In response, the Murcia Health Plan 2026-2032 will focus on preventing cognitive decline and promoting brain health through collaborations with academic and patient associations.

## Claims

- The 2025 Health Survey of Spain was published by the INE. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- 66.2% of people over 15 in Spain report having a chronic disease or health problem. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The percentage of people reporting good or very good health fell to 68.3% in 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Depressive episodes affect 16.2% of the population. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Obesity was reported by 17.2% of people aged 18 and older in 2025. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Spain health trends show rising chronic illness and obesity despite lower smoking rates

Spain's 2025 Health Survey shows a rise in chronic illnesses (66.2%), obesity, and depression, despite a historic decline in daily tobacco consumption to 15.4%.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-adolescent-vaping-trends-show-shift-as-girls-surpass-boys

### 2026-10-19: Murcia health data shows high obesity and smoking rates

New data shows obesity affects 18.9% of adults in Murcia, exceeding the Spanish average, while new regional health plans aim to prioritize brain health and cognitive decline prevention.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/murcia-health-data-shows-high-obesity-and-smoking-rates

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Cite as: Spanish public health trends and regional statistics. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-public-health-trends-and-regional-statistics