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When it comes to obesity, the United States often tops the charts. But did you know there are nations where obesity rates surpass even America's? It's a surprising fact that may leave you questioning the global health trends we often associate with the US. From small Pacific island nations to regions with rapidly changing diets, some countries have seen an alarming rise in obesity, and they’re not where you might expect.
Curious to find out which nations have higher obesity rates than the US? Click through this eye-opening gallery to learn more about the global obesity epidemic and what factors are contributing to these rising numbers.
Obesity continues to be a major global health challenge, impacting not only wealthy nations but also low- and middle-income countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies an adult as overweight if they have a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 25, and obese if they have a BMI greater than or equal to 30.
It's a measurement used to assess whether a person has a healthy weight for their height. It's calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.
Although BMI does not directly measure body fat, it is closely linked to other measures that assess the amount, location, and distribution of body fat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This is why BMI is used to categorize individuals into different weight ranges, which are the following: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese.
By 2035, global overweight and obesity rates among adults are projected to rise to 46%, up from an estimated 42% in 2020.
Excess weight strains the body, increasing the risk of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Carrying extra weight can lead to inflammation, higher blood pressure, and insulin resistance, all of which contribute to these health issues.
While the WHO has declared obesity a global epidemic, it is often still linked mainly to countries like the US, due to cultural, economic, and lifestyle factors such as high-calorie diets and sedentary habits.
However, contrary to popular belief, the obesity crisis extends beyond industrialized nations.
In fact, over 115 million people in developing countries are estimated to suffer from obesity-related health issues.
While there is no direct correlation between a country's economic status and its obesity rate, wealthier nations often have more resources to implement programs, campaigns, and initiatives that raise awareness and educate people about their consumption habits.
Specialists have debated various theories to explain why certain regions or nations, such as the Pacific Islands, are particularly vulnerable to obesity.
These include the spread of unhealthy fast food, the increased use of frying as a cooking method, and a possible genetic predisposition to higher BMIs. However, these theories are not definitive and may not fully account for the rising obesity rates.
Using the latest data from 2022 released by the WHO and the Global Obesity Observatory (GOO), World Population Review has compiled obesity rates by country. Click through the following slides to see which countries have higher rates than the US.
With an average obesity rate of 43%, the country nearly surpasses the US at 42.9%. Political and economic factors have worsened the crisis, particularly food inflation exceeding 60%.
As a result, many Egyptians prioritize fullness over nutrition, opting for low-cost, high-calorie meals. Diets have shifted from rice, vegetables, and legumes to meats, carbohydrates, and sugar-heavy dishes.
Specialists point to several factors behind Qatar's high 43.8 percentage: a rise in office work and the widespread availability of cheap, unhealthy food, for instance.
Increased urbanization, car reliance, the shift to a Westernized diet, and cultural celebrations with large, high-calorie meals are also said to contribute. Additionally, Qatar's luxury services promote inactivity, unlike the infrastructure in other countries that encourages a more active lifestyle.
A 2014 study found that 36% of men and 48% of women in Kuwait are obese, while 74% of men and 77% of women are overweight or obese. A diet rich in fats, carbohydrates, and processed foods, along with a lack of physical activity, are key contributors.
Studies indicate that urbanization, economic growth, technological advancements, and cultural shifts have contributed to a decline in physical activity and an increase in the consumption of fat, sugar, and processed foods, which are key factors behind the high obesity rates (45.6%) in Micronesia.
Water insecurity is a significant issue in Kiribati, with households relying primarily on unprotected groundwater (40%) and rainwater (28%) for drinking. Recently published research examines how limited access to safe drinking water is linked to the consumption of sugary drinks, which are recognized as a major factor contributing to obesity.
In Saint Kitts and Nevis, the overconsumption of sugary beverages is a significant public health concern, contributing notably to the nation's high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for 83% of all deaths. A 2019 report highlighted that 62% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 regularly consume carbonated soft drinks.
In the Marshall Islands, the consumption of sugary beverages is also alarmingly high, significantly contributing to the nation's obesity epidemic. A 2018 survey revealed that 89.2% of adults consumed at least one sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) daily, with over half (54.6%) indulging in two or more servings each day.
According to the World Obesity Federation, as of 2019, 41.0% of adult women and 27.4% of adult men in the Bahamas were classified as obese, surpassing regional averages of 30.7% for women and 22.8% for men. Contributing factors include high consumption of processed foods, physical inactivity, and socio-cultural influences.
Traditionally, Polynesians alternated between periods of abundance during the rainy season and times of food scarcity, which shaped their unique cultural relationship with food. 'Plump' physiques, once viewed as a sign of social status, are still highly valued. This cultural preference has been further influenced by an American-style consumption pattern, particularly in Papeete, where junk food is widely available.
A study spanning from 1978 to 2013 found that obesity prevalence in Samoa increased from 27.7% to 53.1% in men, and from 44.4% to 76.7% in women. Projections indicated that by 2020, 59% of men and 81% of women would be obese, making obesity the leading cause of disability in the country. Today, approximately 62% of the population is considered obese.
Approximately 65% of men and 71% of women are classified as overweight, which is largely attributed to dietary shifts following World War II, during which traditional foods were supplanted by processed items such as corned beef, rice, and sugar. Additionally, a 2024 study highlighted that the consumption of imported foods, coupled with reduced intake of plant-based and protein-rich foods, is a modifiable factor contributing to Tuvalu's high obesity rates.
With an average BMI of 32.4, Niue has approximately 67% of its population classified as obese, ranking the island nation among the highest globally in obesity rates.
Approximately 70% of the adult population is classified as obese. The nation is reportedly 82% dependent on food imports, and the traditional diet has been largely replaced by imported, calorie-dense, and nutrient-poor processed foods. As a result, 81% of adult deaths are now attributed to non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
A UNICEF report highlights that health problems related to obesity in Tokelau are largely due to poor nutrition and shifting dietary patterns. For instance, a 2012 WHO study indicates that Tokelauans are increasingly relying on imported, processed foods such as frozen or canned meats, fruits, vegetables, biscuits, and sweets. The study also notes a growing preference for deep-frying as a method of food preparation.
With a 70% obesity rate, Nauru has the third-highest obesity rate in the world. In the 1990s, Western influence and resource exploitation led to a shift from a traditional diet of seafood, tubers, and fruits to processed foods like spam and corned beef. This dietary change, along with a lack of exercise, made Nauru one of the countries most affected by the obesity epidemic.
With an average BMI of 32.2, over half of Tonga's children and teenagers are estimated to be overweight. In 2021, non-communicable diseases accounted for a staggering 83% of all deaths in the country. In response, the Tongan government implemented an action plan to increase the availability of healthier options like fish while introducing diet-related taxes to reduce the consumption of unhealthy products such as sugary drinks.
The past few decades have seen rapid modernization in American Samoa, leading to a shift from active lifestyles in villages, where food is grown and prepared at home, to a more sedentary culture with less nutritious food options. Environmental and economic factors also contribute to obesity here, including the consumption of micronutrient-poor imported foods and rising costs for locally grown produce.
Sources: (World Population Review) (WHO) (UNICEF) (Harvard International Review) (National Library of Medicine) (Le Monde) (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
See also: The most (and least) obese US states
Nations that are more obese than the US
The obesity epidemic reaches further than you might think
LIFESTYLE Global obesity
When it comes to obesity, the United States often tops the charts. But did you know there are nations where obesity rates surpass even America's? It's a surprising fact that may leave you questioning the global health trends we often associate with the US. From small Pacific island nations to regions with rapidly changing diets, some countries have seen an alarming rise in obesity, and they’re not where you might expect.
Curious to find out which nations have higher obesity rates than the US? Click through this eye-opening gallery to learn more about the global obesity epidemic and what factors are contributing to these rising numbers.