Top 20 Nations with the Highest Obesity Rates Globally

Over the past fifty years, obesity has surged worldwide, leading to what many experts describe as a severe public health emergency. Despite ongoing debates about the best methods to measure its risks, global obesity rates keep rising, accompanied by a range of serious health issues.

What similarities exist among the most obese nations, and what implications do these trends hold for individuals and society as a whole?

Measuring Obesity

Discover the top 20 nations with the highest obesity rates, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), with data updated through 2022.

But what exactly defines someone as "obese"? According to current standards, it refers to individuals with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 30.

While this information is useful if you understand BMI calculations, what if you don't? Fortunately, determining body mass index is quite simple.

To calculate BMI, divide a person's weight by the square of their height. Note that both measurements must be in metric units—kilograms for weight and meters for height.

For example, if someone weighs 160 lbs (72.6 kg) and stands 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall, their BMI can be calculated as follows:

This calculation places the individual within the healthy BMI range, which is between 18.5 and 25.

On the other hand, if the same person weighed 230 lbs (104.3 kg), their BMI would rise to 32.2, categorizing them as obese.

The Effects of Obesity

Obesity has consistently been identified as a significant health hazard. Contemporary medical and epidemiological studies reveal strong links between excessive body fat and numerous health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and various chronic conditions. Notably, obesity is a leading contributor to the development of type 2 diabetes.

Carrying excess weight can trigger a multitude of health complications. It strains the heart, often resulting in chronic hypertension and heart-related ailments. Additionally, it accelerates the deterioration of bones and muscles. Obesity is also associated with mental health challenges, such as depression.

On a societal scale, the growing prevalence of obesity brings profound consequences that extend beyond financial burdens. Fortunately, numerous interventions are being implemented in countries with alarmingly high obesity rates.

Public health initiatives aim to educate people about the dangers of consuming unhealthy foods—those high in fat, sugar, and processing—and the risks of leading sedentary lives.

Improved nutrition, dieting, and consistent physical exercise are advocated as non-invasive solutions, though medical and surgical options are also available when necessary.

Why Has Obesity Been Climbing?

The global surge in obesity is widely believed to have accelerated significantly after 1975. Current estimates suggest that obesity rates have tripled since then. While the exact causes remain unclear, it is likely due to a mix of contributing factors.

In regions like the Pacific Island nations, which frequently rank among the most affected, shifts in lifestyle, dietary habits, and genetic susceptibility are often cited. The transition from traditional diets to inexpensive, processed foods, coupled with inactive routines, has led to increased weight gain.

However, the issue persists relentlessly. Obesity affects low-, middle-, and high-income nations alike, impacting both genders and nearly all age groups, not just adults.

Additionally, some scientists are exploring the potential role of rising pollution levels, particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals, as a significant contributor to the obesity epidemic.

Controversies Around BMI

It’s worth noting that BMI isn’t a perfect tool for assessing the link between body weight and health. For example, many athletes are classified as overweight or obese based on BMI due to their high muscle mass, which skews the results.

Additionally, the exact impact of obesity on various illnesses is still debated. Many public health professionals and researchers are now questioning whether BMI is the most effective metric for identifying individuals at higher risk due to their body size and shape.

Alternative metrics, like the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), which focuses on waist circumference relative to height rather than weight, are gaining increased favor among experts.

More Information on the Most Obese Countries

Below are the countries with the highest obesity rates, determined by the percentage of their population classified as obese. The data is sourced from the World Health Organization (WHO), which monitors a wide range of health-related statistics. This information is accurate as of 2022.

1. Tonga (71.7%)

This South Pacific island nation has an exceptionally high obesity rate, with almost 72% of its 106,858 residents falling into the obese category.

2. Nauru (69.6%)

Nauru, with a population of 12,668, ranks second in obesity rates. This small island country is situated in the South Pacific.

3. Cook Islands (68.9%)

The Cook Islands, home to 14,723 people and situated in the South Pacific, rank third globally for obesity prevalence.

4. Niue (66.6%)

Niue, a small island in the South Pacific with a population of 1,681, secures the fourth position on this list, as approximately 66% of its residents meet the WHO's criteria for obesity.

5. Tuvalu (64.2%)

Tuvalu, another small Pacific Ocean island with a population of 11,312, ranks fifth on this list due to its high obesity rate.

6. Samoa (62.4%)

Samoa, with a population of 222,382, is the most populous island featured on this list so far.

7. Bahamas (47.3%)

In seventh place, the Bahamas marks a noticeable drop in obesity rates. This Caribbean island, home to 409,984 people, has an obesity rate in the upper 40s, contrasting with the previous 60% range.

8. Micronesia (47.1%)

Returning to the Pacific, though located farther north than earlier entries, Micronesia remains within the tropics. With a population of 114,164, it holds the eighth position on this list due to its obesity rate.

9. Kiribati (46.3%)

Close to Micronesia lies Kiribati, another Pacific island nation. Home to 131,232 people, it has an obesity rate slightly above 46%.

10. Marshall Islands (45.9%)

Situated between Hawaii and the Philippines, the Marshall Islands archipelago, with a population of 41,569, completes the top ten list of countries with the highest obesity rates.

11. Saint Kitts & Nevis (45.6%)

Unlike the single-island nations previously mentioned, Saint Kitts & Nevis is a dual-island country with a population of 47,657.

12. Egypt (44.3%)

Egypt, with a population of 111 million, stands out as significantly more populous than earlier entries. The country's high dependence on refined flour and sugar is likely a key factor behind its rising obesity rate.

13. Qatar (43.1%)

Qatar, situated along the Persian Gulf, has a population of 2.7 million. In recent years, the country has experienced a rise in adult obesity, securing its place among the world's most obese nations.

14. Belize (42.3%)

Belize, located on the southeastern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula, has a population of 405,272 and is notable for its high obesity rate.

15. United States (42%)

The United States, long recognized for its high obesity rates, continues to rank prominently, though the figures might be lower than some expect. With a population of 333.3 million, it is the most populous country featured on this list so far.

16. Kuwait (41.4%)

Kuwait, a Gulf nation with 4.27 million residents, closely follows the United States in terms of obesity prevalence.

17. Palau (41.1%)

Palau, a Micronesian island nation in the Pacific Ocean with a population of 18,055, ranks seventeenth for obesity rates.

18. Saudi Arabia (40.6%)

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a large Middle Eastern nation with 36.41 million residents, ranks eighteenth with an obesity rate slightly above 40%.

19. Iraq (40.5%)

Iraq, nearly matching Saudi Arabia, has a population of 44.5 million and faces a rising obesity challenge.

20. Chile (38.9%)

Chile, a South American nation with a population of 19.6 million, rounds out the list of 20 most obese countries with an obesity rate just under 40%.

Where Are Obesity Rates Low?

Not all countries struggle with obesity. Vietnam holds the lowest position on the list, with an obesity rate of 2.02%. With its strong public health system, Vietnam, alongside nations like Japan (5.54%), offers valuable insights for other countries worldwide.