Adult Obesity Around the World

Obesity has long ceased to be a local problem – today it is a global challenge for healthcare systems. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 900 million adults worldwide have a body mass index of 30 or higher.

The highest rates are recorded in the Pacific region, the United States, and the Persian Gulf countries, where the proportion of obese people reaches 40-75%. In Europe, obesity rates vary considerably, from 10-13% in France, Switzerland, and Denmark to more than 30% in Romania and Hungary. In Latin America, rates are generally higher, ranging from 23% in Venezuela to 39% in Chile, while in Africa and East Asia, rates are significantly lower, although they are trending upward.