Sporty or Smartphone Norway? This Is How It Compares to Other Nordic Countries
The new NORMO 2025 report shows that more than half of adults in the Nordic countries struggle with overweight or obesity, while screen time is also on the rise. Norwegians stand out in the comparison, both in terms of physical activity and use of electronic devices.
Three out of ten adults in Norway do not meet the minimum physical activity recommendations.
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In Norway, three out of ten adults do not reach the minimum level of physical activity recommended by health authorities. Although the average is 5.6 hours of exercise per week, this figure is boosted by the most active individuals.
The report indicates that 56 percent of adults in the Nordic countries are overweight or obese, and in Norway, this figure is 52.5 percent. The problems also affect the youngest: 16 percent of Norwegian children are overweight.
The report indicates that 56 percent of adults in the Nordic countries are overweight or obese, and in Norway, this figure is 52.5 percent. The problems also affect the youngest: 16 percent of Norwegian children are overweight.
Highest Screen Time in the Region
Data also shows a growing amount of time spent in front of screens. Norwegian adults use devices for an average of 3.7 hours per day during their free time, and three out of ten people exceed the four-hour mark.
The highest figures are among those aged 18–24, who spend 4.9 hours a day in front of screens—the most in all of Scandinavia. This is more than in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.
The highest figures are among those aged 18–24, who spend 4.9 hours a day in front of screens—the most in all of Scandinavia. This is more than in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.
Groups with lower education across Scandinavia report poorer diets and more frequent obesity.Photo: fotolia.com
Worsening Eating Habits
The report also highlights a decline in the quality of eating habits. Across Scandinavia, the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is decreasing, while the share of high-sugar products is rising.
In Norway, however, there is a higher proportion of whole grain bread and fish in the diet than in other countries in the region. At the same time, the consumption of sweetened drinks and dairy products remains high.
In Norway, however, there is a higher proportion of whole grain bread and fish in the diet than in other countries in the region. At the same time, the consumption of sweetened drinks and dairy products remains high.
Social Differences and the Situation of Children
In the Nordic countries, the most negative trends are seen among groups with lower education. They are more likely to struggle with poor diets and a higher risk of obesity.
In Denmark, Iceland, and Finland, the number of overweight children is also increasing. In Denmark, this rate rose from 11 to 20 percent in a decade. Iceland recorded an increase from 19 to 26 percent, including more than a twofold increase in the number of children with obesity.
In Denmark, Iceland, and Finland, the number of overweight children is also increasing. In Denmark, this rate rose from 11 to 20 percent in a decade. Iceland recorded an increase from 19 to 26 percent, including more than a twofold increase in the number of children with obesity.
Norwegian youth have the highest screen time in all of Scandinavia.Photo: fotolia
The authors of the report emphasize that the data, partly based on self-reports, may not fully reflect the actual scale of the phenomenon. However, they point out that the results help capture the main trends in the health and lifestyle of the region's inhabitants. The document is intended to serve as a basis for further analysis and observation in the coming years to better understand the changes taking place in the Nordic countries.
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