Executive Summary
Diet
Diet quality in the Nordic Region shows an unfavourable development since 2014, with lower intake of plant-based foods and higher intake of discretionary foods and beverages. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, pulses, whole grains, and fish in 2024 is low compared to NNR2023 recommendations, while meat intake is relatively high and intakes of discretionary items remain high, in particular discretionary beverages. Differences between countries reflect national dietary patterns and cultural preferences. Educational and socioeconomic disparities persist, with healthier and more sustainable diets more common among individuals with higher education. Continued harmonization of dietary monitoring methods is needed for improved comparability and assessment of adherence to recommendations.
Alcohol
Overall alcohol consumption has remained stable across the Nordic Region from 2014 to 2024, with notable national differences. Denmark shows the highest frequency of alcoholic beverage consumption and binge drinking prevalence, while Iceland and Finland show the lowest. Men and young adults report higher levels of consumption and binge drinking than women and older adults. Despite modest declines in binge drinking in Norway and Sweden, hazardous drinking still occurs. Cross-country differences are consistent with variation in alcohol policies and pricing structures.
Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour
About one quarter to one third of adults in the Nordic countries do not meet physical activity recommendations. Children show similar or higher prevalence of inactivity, with around half not meeting recommendations. Recreational screen time is high among both adults and children. Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour vary by education level and country, with higher inactivity among adults with lower education. Differences between countries suggest variation in infrastructure and lifestyle. The findings suggest that a substantial proportion of both adults and children in the Nordic Region fail to meet the WHO physical activity recommendations.
Overweight and Obesity
More than half of adults in the Nordic Region have overweight or obesity, and one in five are classified as having obesity. The prevalence of overweight or obesity is highest in Iceland and lowest in Denmark and Sweden. Among children, nearly one in five have overweight or obesity, and 4 % has obesity. Between 2014 and 2024 among adults, the prevalence of both OW/OB and OB increased in most countries, particularly Iceland, Finland and Sweden. Among children the increase in the prevalence of overweight or obesity was most pronounced in Denmark, Iceland and Finland. Educational gradients persist, with higher weight status being more common among those with lower education. Self-reported height and weight likely underestimate true prevalence. Findings highlight the importance of continued, comparable surveillance to track developments over time.
Smoking, Snuff, Nicotine Pouches, and E-Cigarettes
Daily smoking declined in the Nordic region between 2014 and 2024, from about 16 % to 10 %. At the same time, use of snuff and nicotine pouches increased, resulting in stable overall nicotine exposure, with about one in four adults using a nicotine product daily. E-cigarette use remains low but varies between countries. Men and younger adults are more likely to use smokeless nicotine products, while smoking is more common among older adults. A clear inverse association with education is seen across all nicotine products. The results indicate a shift from smoked to smokeless products, with persistent nicotine dependence at the population level.
Conclusion
Behavior in the Nordic region has become less healthy and sustainable and policy-level factors such as restricting advertising for unhealthy food to children, retail regulation of alcohol and nicotine products, transport, equitable access to recreation, and reductions in screen-based sedentary time, and pricing and taxation could play a crucial role in promoting more healthy and sustainable changes in behaviour across the Nordic region.