Most Obese Countries

Obesity is an urgent public health issue impacting countries across the globe, with staggering implications for healthcare systems, economies, and most importantly, the health and wellbeing of millions of individuals. The World Health Organization defines obesity as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. The pervasiveness and gravity of this global epidemic require immediate attention, as over 650 million adults were obese as of 2016.

Recent data reveals a strikingly high prevalence of obesity in several nations, with the Pacific Island nations leading the list. The following key findings open up a broader discourse on the severity and pattern of the obesity crisis worldwide:

• The Pacific Island nation Nauru holds the ominous distinction of having the highest obesity rate in the world. A shocking 61.0% of adults in Nauru are considered obese, according to the available data.
• The United States appears 12th on the list with 36.2% of its adults classified as obese, indicating a pressing concern for public health.
• Other countries with significant obesity rates include Kuwait (37.9%), Jordan (35.5%), and Saudi Arabia (35.4%).
• The Asian continent shows significant diversity in the prevalence of obesity. Countries like Japan and South Korea report low obesity rates (4.3% and 4.7%), yet others like Kuwait and Jordan report a percentage more than seven times higher.
• The lowest obesity rate is recorded in Vietnam, a Southeast Asian country, with only 2.1% of its adults considered obese.

These figures represent just the surface of the complex issue of obesity worldwide. Beyond these numbers are the millions of individuals affected and the urgent need for strategies to address the underlying social, economic, and health factors contributing to global obesity rates. Together, through collective effort and commitments to promoting healthier lifestyles, we can look forward to turning the tide on this global public health concern.

To sort the data in the table, click on the column headers.