Fattest And Fittest Countries
Fattest And Fittest Countries
Obesity is a growing global health challenge, and high-income nations are no exception. Among these wealthier economies, adult obesity rates can vary dramatically, from as low as 6% to as high as 45%.
This infographic highlights the top 10 most and least obese high-income countries, using the latest data from the Global Obesity Observatory.
Obesity Hotspots in High-Income Countries
Kuwait tops the chart with an obesity rate of 45%, followed closely by Qatar (44%) and the United States (43%). Several other countries in the Middle East and America, including Saudi Arabia (43%), Puerto Rico (42%), Chile (40%), Bahrain (38%), and Panama (37%), also rank among the most affected.
Notably, Romania (35%) is the only European country in the top 10, while New Zealand (34%) represents the highest obesity rate in the Asia-Pacific region among wealthy nations.
Causes Of Obesity
Obesity is mostly caused by unhealthy, calorie dense and processed foods.
The other most important thing is lack of physical activity. Increased car use and less walking or cycling and lack of exercise can reduce daily physical activity.
Countries With the Lowest Obesity Rates
On the other end of the spectrum, Japan stands out with an exceptionally low obesity rate of just 6%, followed by South Korea (7%) and France (10%).
Taiwan (11%) and Singapore (14%) are one of most developed nations hailing from East Asia. Many of the least obese countries, such as Switzerland (13%), Denmark (14%), Netherlands (15%), Sweden (16%), and Austria (16%), are in Europe.
Despite being high-income nations with access to abundant food resources, these countries have managed to maintain significantly lower obesity levels, often due to cultural, dietary, health, and urban planning factors.
These countries usually have better public transport and higher bicycle usage.
A Widening Gap
These figures reveal a wide disparity in obesity prevalence even among economically developed countries. While some have seen rates soar past 40%, others remain in the single digits.
With obesity being a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular illness, and certain cancers, these differences have critical implications for public health and healthcare systems around the world.
As countries continue to grapple with rising obesity trends, the challenge will be to implement effective, culturally tailored strategies that promote healthier lifestyles, especially in the most affected regions.