Map Reveals Which Countries Have The Highest Obesity Rates

Global obesity rates have skyrocketed over the last three decades, presenting major public health challenges worldwide. Obesity is commonly measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI), with a BMI over 30 considered obese. According to data from the World Health Organization, obesity rates have more than tripled from 5% in 1990 to 16% in 2022. This slideshow explores the countries with the highest obesity rates and the factors contributing to this global issue.

1. Tonga – 72% of Adults Obese

Tonga tops the list with an astounding 72% of adults classified as obese. Like many small Pacific island nations, Tonga has seen a shift towards processed, high-calorie imported foods, which has contributed to rising obesity rates. The change in dietary habits has led to increased rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in the region.¹

Read More: Study Maps The Odd Structural Similarities Between The Human Brain And The Universe

2. Nauru – 70% of Adults Obese

Nauru, another Pacific island nation, has the second-highest obesity rate globally, with 70% of its adult population obese. Similar to Tonga, the reliance on imported processed foods has had detrimental effects on public health. Nauru’s small population and limited agricultural capacity have left it particularly vulnerable to these shifts.

3. Cook Islands – 69% of Adults Obese

With 69% of its adult population classified as obese, the Cook Islands face similar dietary challenges to its Pacific neighbors. The high rates of obesity have contributed to a growing public health crisis, with elevated risks of heart disease and diabetes.

4. Niue – 67% of Adults Obese

Niue, a tiny island in the South Pacific, also struggles with high obesity rates, with 67% of adults classified as obese. The shift towards Westernized diets rich in processed foods has replaced traditional diets, leading to widespread health problems.

5. Tuvalu – 64% of Adults Obese

Tuvalu rounds out the top five countries with the highest obesity rates, where 64% of adults are considered obese. The transition to imported, calorie-dense foods has played a significant role in driving up obesity rates in this Pacific island nation.

6. Samoa – 62% of Adults Obese

Samoa has not escaped the wave of rising obesity in the Pacific region, with 62% of adults classified as obese. The adoption of processed, high-calorie foods has contributed to the country’s growing rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

7. The Bahamas – 47% of Adults Obese

The Bahamas leads the Caribbean region in obesity rates, with 47% of its adult population classified as obese. Sedentary lifestyles and increasing consumption of fast food are key drivers of the obesity epidemic in this region.

Read More: A Thanksgiving Winner: Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup, Butter, and Cayenne

8. Micronesia – 47% of Adults Obese

Micronesia shares similar dietary challenges with its Pacific neighbors, where 47% of adults are obese. High rates of obesity have led to increased incidences of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, putting a strain on the nation’s healthcare system.

9. Kiribati – 46% of Adults Obese

Kiribati, another small Pacific island nation, has seen a rise in obesity rates due to the consumption of imported, processed foods. With 46% of adults classified as obese, the nation faces significant public health challenges.

10. Marshall Islands – 46% of Adults Obese

Like many other Pacific island nations, the Marshall Islands have high obesity rates, with 46% of the adult population classified as obese. Processed foods have largely replaced traditional diets, contributing to this growing health crisis.

11. Saint Kitts & Nevis – 46% of Adults Obese

In the Caribbean, Saint Kitts & Nevis faces similar obesity challenges, with 46% of its adult population classified as obese. Sedentary lifestyles and a shift toward fast food are key contributors to these rising rates.

12. Egypt – 44% of Adults Obese

Egypt has one of the highest obesity rates among larger countries, with 44% of adults classified as obese. Economic factors, including high food inflation, have pushed many Egyptians towards low-cost, high-calorie meals. This shift in dietary habits has resulted in higher rates of obesity-related diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.

13. Qatar – 43% of Adults Obese

Qatar, one of the wealthiest nations in the world, has a 43% adult obesity rate. The sedentary lifestyle common in the country, combined with rich, high-calorie diets, has contributed to its rising obesity problem. A genetic predisposition to obesity also plays a role in this health crisis.

14. Belize – 42% of Adults Obese

Belize ranks high in Central America with 42% of its adult population classified as obese. The nation has seen a rise in fast food consumption and a decline in physical activity, which have contributed to this growing health issue.

15. United States – 42% of Adults Obese

The United States is the only large, highly developed country to appear on this list, with 42% of its adult population classified as obese. The U.S. has seen a significant rise in portion sizes and calorie consumption over the last few decades. In fact, Americans consumed 20% more calories in 2000 than in 1983. High obesity rates have led to widespread health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.²

Conclusion

While obesity is a growing global problem, certain regions face more significant challenges than others. Pacific island nations, in particular, are experiencing alarmingly high obesity rates, largely due to changes in dietary habits and reliance on imported processed foods. In more developed countries like the United States and Qatar, sedentary lifestyles and larger portion sizes contribute to the problem. Understanding these trends is crucial for addressing the health risks associated with obesity and implementing preventive measures.

Read More: Another Artificial Sweetener Is Linked to Stroke and Heart Attack Risk