In this post, we’ll delve into the topic of obesity, a health issue that’s becoming a global concern. We’ll look at the 25 countries with the greatest obesity rates and talk about how obesity affects productivity and health.
We’ll also discuss several promising medical treatments that are making headlines. Obesity is more than simply a medical issue; it is a crippling disease that can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life.
Obesity can be a daily battle, from difficulty with ordinary things like walking or driving to the difficulty of finding clothes that fit. Furthermore, it opens the door to other major health problems, such as diabetes.
Experts predict that by 2030, global sales of obesity treatments might reach a startling $54 billion, as an increasing number of people seek medical aid to manage obesity. According to World Health Organization (WHO) figures, obesity was responsible for 8% of total global deaths in 2017.
Obesity was the leading cause of mortality in Fiji, Bahrain, and American Samoa, accounting for 29.3%, 25.69%, and 23.53% of all deaths, respectively. Obesity has a substantial economic impact, with projections indicating that it could approach $4 trillion by 2023.
Unfortunately, obesity is not just a concern for adults. According to projections, the number of obese boys could quadruple by 2035, while the number of obese girls could climb by 125%.
This indicates that the 100 million obese boys in 2020 might potentially quadruple to 200 million by 2035, with 175 million obese girls. The majority of this expansion is likely to occur in low-income nations where treatment alternatives are limited or prohibitively expensive.
On the plus side, new medications meant to promote weight loss have been developed in recent years. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) and Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) have both introduced therapies that are already showing encouraging outcomes.
These medications, however, can be pricey, and many patients discontinue use within a year due to adverse effects or financial restraints. So, how do these medications work?
They effectively aid in the suppression of food cravings, eliminating what is commonly referred to as ‘food noise’ – the incessant ideas about what to eat next. They do, however, have adverse effects, just like any other medication.
Join us as we delve deeper into this critical topic, investigating the worldwide consequences of obesity as well as hopeful solutions on the horizon.
Our Approach
We began by using data from the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop our ranking of countries with the greatest obesity prevalence. This data shows the percentage of each country’s population with a BMI greater than 30.
Following that, we computed the number of obese people per 100,000 people. Based on these figures, the final ranking of the world’s most obese countries was compiled.
Our List
1. American Samoa
Obesity rate per 100,000 people: 74,600
American Samoa is a United States unincorporated territory in the South Pacific Ocean. It features a typical Polynesian economy, with more than 90% of the land owned collectively.
Economic activity is strongly linked to the United States, with which American Samoa conducts the majority of its trade.
2. Republic of the Marshall Islands
Obesity Rate per 100,000: 67,400
In the central Pacific Ocean, the Marshall Islands are a network of volcanic islands and coral atolls. It has a mixed economy based on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and help from the United States under the revised Compact of Free Association.
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3. Cook Islands
Obesity per 100,000 people: 64,100
The Cook Islands are a self-governing territory in the South Pacific that is in free association with New Zealand. Tourism, offshore finance, pearls, marine, and fruit exports drive its economy.
4. Republic of Nauru
Obesity per 100,000 people: 61,000
Nauru is a micronesian island nation northeast of Australia. It has a population of slightly more than 10,000 people. The economy is primarily reliant on phosphate reserves produced from seabird droppings.
5. Republic of Palau
Obesity per 100,000 people: 55,300
Palau is a group of Pacific Ocean islands. It has a small population of about 21,000 people and relies on tourism, subsistence agriculture, and fishing for a living.
6. Niue
Obese People: 50,000 per 100,000
Niue has only a hundred thousand residents, thus it is safe to estimate that nearly half of its population is fat.
7. Kingdom of Tonga
Obesity per 100,000 people: 48,200
Tonga is an island country comprised of about 200 islands. Its economy is primarily dependent on agriculture for foreign exchange.
8. Independent State of Samoa
Obesity per 100,000 people: 47,300
Samoa is an island country with a diverse economy focused on manufactured goods, agricultural products, and petroleum exports.
9. Republic of Kiribati
Obesity per 100,000 people: 46,000
Kiribati is another island country with a modest economy of $248 million. The country receives international aid and has a GDP per capita of $1,989.
10. Federated States of Micronesia
Obesity rate per 100,000 people: 45,800
Micronesia is one of the world’s smallest countries in terms of both land area and population. Agriculture is the primary economic sector, and about half of the population is obese.
11. State of Kuwait
Obesity rate per 100,000 people: 37,900
Kuwait is an affluent Middle Eastern country. It has a $183 billion economy and a $38,123 GDP per capita.
12. United States of America
Obesity rate per 100,000 people: 38,200
Each year, Americans consume more than 200 liters of sugary beverages. The United States is also the most obese developed country in the world, with obesity rates exceeding 70% in several states.
Read More: Countries With The Highest Coffee Consumption
13. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Obesity per 100,000 people: 35,500
Jordan has a population of 11 million people with a rich history. It is home to various landmarks and archaeological sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra.
14. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Obesity per 100,000 people: 35,400
Saudi Arabia is an oil-rich country with a trillion-dollar economy and the world’s top oil exporter. Saudi Arabia is also known for its Islamic heritage sites, such as Mecca and Medina, Islam’s two holiest cities.
15. State of Qatar
Obesity per 100,000 people: 35,400
Saudi Arabia is an oil-rich country with a trillion-dollar economy and the world’s top oil exporter. Saudi Arabia is also known for its Islamic heritage sites, such as Mecca and Medina, Islam’s two holiest cities.
16. State of Libya
Obesity per 100,000 people: 32,500
Libya, an African country, benefits from abundant oil wealth and a tiny population, resulting in extensive housing and educational security programs. Libya is home to various ancient Greek and Roman sites, notably Leptis Magna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
17. Republic of Türkiye (Turkey)
Obesity per 100,000 people: 32,100
Turkey, a country that spans Europe and Asia, has a thriving economy with industrial and high-tech industries. It also has Europe’s highest obesity rate.
Turkey is well-known for its long history, unique culture, and delectable cuisine.
18. Republic of Lebanon
Obesity per 100,000 people: 32,000
Lebanon, a Middle Eastern country, has one of the lowest economies in the region, with a GDP of $19 billion. Despite recent economic difficulties, Lebanon is well-known for its rich culture, history, and food.
19. Arab Republic of Egypt
Obesity per 100,000 people: 32,000
Egypt has a population of 109 million people and is one of the world’s oldest countries. Egyptians’ average BMI is 29.2, putting them on the verge of obesity.
Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization, which includes the Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx.
20. United Arab Emirates
Obesity rate per 100,000 people: 31,700
The UAE, a Middle Eastern country, has experienced significant economic expansion in recent decades, fueled mostly by petroleum exports. It also boasts a thriving service sector.
The UAE is well-known for its modern architecture, including the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
21. Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Obesity rate per 100,000 people: 31,600
The Bahamas, a West Indian country with a population of around 400,000 people, is important in the global cruise and cargo maritime industry. Its offshore banking sector is likewise vital to the country’s economy.
The Bahamas are well-known for their stunning beaches and diverse marine life.
22. New Zealand
Obesity rate per 100,000 people: 30,800
Obesity is 30.8% in New Zealand, an island nation with a high-income economy with a GDP per capita of $47,278. Despite this, men and women have BMIs that are less than 30.
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23. Republic of Iraq
Obesity per 100,000 people: 30,400
Iraq, a Western Asian country of 43.5 million people, is one of the world’s top oil producers. Carbonated beverage intake contributes to the country’s obesity rate.
Iraq is also known for its rich history and culture, as evidenced by the presence of multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
24. Republic of Fiji
Obesity per 100,000 people: 30,200
Fiji, a Pacific island country, is one of the world’s smallest. It has a population of about a million people and a significant obesity rate. Fiji is well-known for its beautiful beaches and vivid coral reefs, which draw visitors from all over the world.
25. Kingdom of Bahrain
Obesity rate per 100,000 people: 29,800
Bahrain, a country in Western Asia, has a GDP per capita of $29,103. It is a country wealthy in natural resources and oil, which power its economy. The country is also well-known for its pearl fisheries, which are widely regarded as the best in the world.
FAQ
What Is Obesity?
Obesity is a medical disorder defined by an abnormally high level of body fat. It is commonly measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI), a statistic determined by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared.
Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher.
What Causes Obesity?
Obesity is caused mostly by an energy imbalance between the quantity of calories consumed and burned. Increased intake of energy-dense meals heavy in fat and sweets, as well as a decrease in physical activity due to more sedentary lifestyles, are factors contributing to this imbalance.
What Are the Potential Health Risks?
Obesity is a substantial risk factor for a variety of noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal problems (such as osteoarthritis), and some malignancies (such as endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon). The risk of these diseases rises as one’s BMI rises.
