Daily smoking rates in Valencian Community exceed the national average

Daily smoking rates in the Valencian Community are higher than the average across Spain, although the region records a lower percentage of intensive alcohol consumption, according to the 2025 Spanish Health Survey published by the Ministry of Health and the National Statistics Institute (INE). The report indicates that 16.4% of people aged 15 and over in the autonomous region smoke daily, which is one percentage point above the national average of 15.4%.

In contrast, intensive alcohol consumption at least once a month affects 9.4% of the Valencian population, compared to 10.2% for the country as a whole. The survey highlights clear differences between tobacco and alcohol consumption habits in the region, set against a national backdrop where daily smoking continues to decline, while intensive drinking practices have increased compared to 2023.

Smoking trends

The Valencian Community features among the autonomous regions exceeding the national average for daily smoking. It occupies seventh place with 16.4%, sitting behind Extremadura (18.9%), Murcia (17.7%), Castilla-La Mancha (17.6%), Andalucia (16.9%), Cantabria (16.8%), and Aragon (16.6%).

On a national level, daily tobacco consumption has dropped to its lowest recorded level since comparable data became available. In 1993, 32.1% of the population aged 15 or over smoked daily, which is more than double the present rate.

Despite this positive trend, smoking continues to display significant variations based on gender and socioeconomic background. Across Spain, 18.4% of men smoke daily compared to 12.6% of women. Inequalities linked to social class are also noticeable, particularly among men, where prevalence ranges from 8.8% in the most favoured groups to 26.6% in the least favoured.

The use of alternatives to conventional tobacco remains low. Electronic cigarettes are used by 1.4% of the population on a daily or occasional basis, while 1.6% consume heated tobacco products. Both practices are more common among young people aged 15 to 24.

Alcohol consumption and excess weight

The Valencian Community registers 9.4% of its population engaging in intensive alcohol consumption at least once a month, which is eight-tenths of a percentage point below the national average. Nationwide, this practice has increased by 2.4 percentage points compared to 2023, reaching 10.2%.

Gender differences across the country are notable: 13.9% of men report this drinking pattern compared to 6.7% of women. By age, the highest percentages are concentrated among those aged 25 to 34, involving 28.7% of men and 22.2% of women. Weekly alcohol consumption is also widespread across Spain, with 35.1% of the population drinking at least once a week and 8.9% doing so daily. In both cases, figures are higher among men.

Excess weight is another indicator included in the survey. Obesity affects 15.9% of the adult population in the Valencian Community, compared to 17.2% across Spain, putting the region below the national average. Nationally, 37.2% of adults are overweight and 17.2% are obese. Combining both conditions, excess weight affects 61.4% of men and 47.6% of women. Socioeconomic factors also impact diet, with daily fresh fruit consumption being lower among less favoured social groups, while sugary soft drink intake follows the opposite trend.