🏝️ Small Island Nations Have the Highest Obesity Rates in the World

What We’re Showing

A list of countries ranked by their adult (18+) obesity rates, measured through Body Mass Index (BMI) calculations. Data is sourced from the World Health Organization (2022).

Key Takeaways

• Small island nations and territories in the Pacific have some of the highest obesity rates in the world
• A change in diet in the 20th century—relying on imported, processed foods—is generally regarded as the cause
• These countries also see high rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes
• It’s worth noting that obesity rates are based on BMI values, which do not account for body types with larger bone and muscle mass
• Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. are the only countries with a population greater than 1 million on this list