Average BMI for Adults 2002

The average BMI for adults provides insight into a country's health trends, highlighting potential obesity issues.

190 data pointsGlobal CoverageMean body mass index (BMI) in men | Our World in Data

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
Nauru flag
Nauru
33 kg/m²
2
Cook Islands flag
Cook Islands
31.5 kg/m²
3
Niue flag
Niue
30.5 kg/m²
4
Tonga flag
Tonga
30.1 kg/m²
5
Palau flag
Palau
29.3 kg/m²
6
Samoa flag
Samoa
29.2 kg/m²
7
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
29.2 kg/m²
8
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
28.3 kg/m²
9
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
28.3 kg/m²
10
United States flag
United States
27.9 kg/m²
11
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
27.7 kg/m²
12
Micronesia (Fed. States of) flag
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
27.5 kg/m²
13
Qatar flag
Qatar
27.4 kg/m²
14
Malta flag
Malta
27.2 kg/m²
15
Andorra flag
Andorra
27 kg/m²
16
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
27 kg/m²
17
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
27 kg/m²
18
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
27 kg/m²
19
Canada flag
Canada
26.9 kg/m²
20
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
26.9 kg/m²
21
Greece flag
Greece
26.9 kg/m²
22
Ireland flag
Ireland
26.9 kg/m²
23
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
26.9 kg/m²
24
Australia flag
Australia
26.8 kg/m²
25
Jordan flag
Jordan
26.8 kg/m²
26
Spain flag
Spain
26.7 kg/m²
27
Hungary flag
Hungary
26.6 kg/m²
28
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
26.6 kg/m²
29
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
26.6 kg/m²
30
Argentina flag
Argentina
26.5 kg/m²
31
Egypt flag
Egypt
26.5 kg/m²
32
Germany flag
Germany
26.5 kg/m²
33
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
26.5 kg/m²
34
Mexico flag
Mexico
26.5 kg/m²
35
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
26.5 kg/m²
36
Chile flag
Chile
26.4 kg/m²
37
Croatia flag
Croatia
26.3 kg/m²
38
Israel flag
Israel
26.3 kg/m²
39
Belize flag
Belize
26.2 kg/m²
40
Finland flag
Finland
26.2 kg/m²
41
Iceland flag
Iceland
26.2 kg/m²
42
Iraq flag
Iraq
26.2 kg/m²
43
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
26.2 kg/m²
44
Norway flag
Norway
26.2 kg/m²
45
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
26.2 kg/m²
46
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
26.2 kg/m²
47
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
26.2 kg/m²
48
Italy flag
Italy
26.1 kg/m²
49
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
26.1 kg/m²
50
Belgium flag
Belgium
26 kg/m²
51
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
26 kg/m²
52
Austria flag
Austria
25.9 kg/m²
53
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
25.9 kg/m²
54
Libya flag
Libya
25.9 kg/m²
55
Turkey flag
Turkey
25.9 kg/m²
56
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
25.8 kg/m²
57
Estonia flag
Estonia
25.8 kg/m²
58
Georgia flag
Georgia
25.8 kg/m²
59
Poland flag
Poland
25.8 kg/m²
60
Portugal flag
Portugal
25.8 kg/m²
61
Sweden flag
Sweden
25.8 kg/m²
62
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
25.8 kg/m²
63
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
25.8 kg/m²
64
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
25.7 kg/m²
65
Denmark flag
Denmark
25.7 kg/m²
66
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
25.7 kg/m²
67
Latvia flag
Latvia
25.7 kg/m²
68
Serbia flag
Serbia
25.7 kg/m²
69
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
25.7 kg/m²
70
Montenegro flag
Montenegro
25.6 kg/m²
71
Albania flag
Albania
25.5 kg/m²
72
Belarus flag
Belarus
25.4 kg/m²
73
France flag
France
25.4 kg/m²
74
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
25.4 kg/m²
75
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
25.4 kg/m²
76
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
25.4 kg/m²
77
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
25.3 kg/m²
78
Fiji flag
Fiji
25.3 kg/m²
79
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
25.3 kg/m²
80
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
25.3 kg/m²
81
Barbados flag
Barbados
25.2 kg/m²
82
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
25.2 kg/m²
83
Oman flag
Oman
25.2 kg/m²
84
Panama flag
Panama
25.2 kg/m²
85
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
25.1 kg/m²
86
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
25.1 kg/m²
87
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
25.1 kg/m²
88
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
25 kg/m²
89
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
25 kg/m²
90
Russia flag
Russia
25 kg/m²
91
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
25 kg/m²
92
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
24.9 kg/m²
93
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
24.9 kg/m²
94
Romania flag
Romania
24.8 kg/m²
95
Brazil flag
Brazil
24.7 kg/m²
96
Honduras flag
Honduras
24.7 kg/m²
97
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
24.7 kg/m²
98
Armenia flag
Armenia
24.6 kg/m²
99
Haiti flag
Haiti
24.6 kg/m²
100
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
24.6 kg/m²
101
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
24.5 kg/m²
102
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
24.5 kg/m²
103
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
24.5 kg/m²
104
Peru flag
Peru
24.5 kg/m²
105
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
24.5 kg/m²
106
Suriname flag
Suriname
24.5 kg/m²
107
Iran flag
Iran
24.4 kg/m²
108
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
24.4 kg/m²
109
Colombia flag
Colombia
24.3 kg/m²
110
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
24.3 kg/m²
111
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
24.2 kg/m²
112
South Africa flag
South Africa
24.2 kg/m²
113
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
24.2 kg/m²
114
Cuba flag
Cuba
24.1 kg/m²
115
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
24.1 kg/m²
116
Morocco flag
Morocco
24.1 kg/m²
117
Grenada flag
Grenada
24 kg/m²
118
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
24 kg/m²
119
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
24 kg/m²
120
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
23.9 kg/m²
121
Dominica flag
Dominica
23.8 kg/m²
122
Guyana flag
Guyana
23.8 kg/m²
123
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
23.8 kg/m²
124
Singapore flag
Singapore
23.7 kg/m²
125
Algeria flag
Algeria
23.6 kg/m²
126
South Korea flag
South Korea
23.5 kg/m²
127
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
23.3 kg/m²
128
Gabon flag
Gabon
23.1 kg/m²
129
Japan flag
Japan
23.1 kg/m²
130
North Korea flag
North Korea
23.1 kg/m²
131
Djibouti flag
Djibouti
23 kg/m²
132
Liberia flag
Liberia
23 kg/m²
133
Sao Tome and Principe flag
Sao Tome and Principe
23 kg/m²
134
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
22.8 kg/m²
135
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
22.7 kg/m²
136
China flag
China
22.6 kg/m²
137
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
22.6 kg/m²
138
Comoros flag
Comoros
22.5 kg/m²
139
Maldives flag
Maldives
22.5 kg/m²
140
Yemen flag
Yemen
22.5 kg/m²
141
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
22.4 kg/m²
142
Thailand flag
Thailand
22.4 kg/m²
143
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
22.2 kg/m²
144
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
22.2 kg/m²
145
Ghana flag
Ghana
22.1 kg/m²
146
Philippines flag
Philippines
22.1 kg/m²
147
Benin flag
Benin
21.9 kg/m²
148
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
21.9 kg/m²
149
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
21.9 kg/m²
150
Botswana flag
Botswana
21.8 kg/m²
151
Mali flag
Mali
21.8 kg/m²
152
Namibia flag
Namibia
21.8 kg/m²
153
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
21.8 kg/m²
154
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
21.8 kg/m²
155
Guinea flag
Guinea
21.7 kg/m²
156
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
21.7 kg/m²
157
Malawi flag
Malawi
21.7 kg/m²
158
Somalia flag
Somalia
21.7 kg/m²
159
Togo flag
Togo
21.7 kg/m²
160
Gambia flag
Gambia
21.6 kg/m²
161
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
21.5 kg/m²
162
Congo flag
Congo
21.5 kg/m²
163
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
21.5 kg/m²
164
Kenya flag
Kenya
21.5 kg/m²
165
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
21.5 kg/m²
166
Angola flag
Angola
21.3 kg/m²
167
Senegal flag
Senegal
21.3 kg/m²
168
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
21.2 kg/m²
169
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
21.2 kg/m²
170
Chad flag
Chad
21.2 kg/m²
171
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
21.2 kg/m²
172
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
21.2 kg/m²
173
Nepal flag
Nepal
21.2 kg/m²
174
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
21.2 kg/m²
175
Laos flag
Laos
21.1 kg/m²
176
Burundi flag
Burundi
21 kg/m²
177
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
21 kg/m²
178
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
20.9 kg/m²
179
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
20.9 kg/m²
180
India flag
India
20.8 kg/m²
181
Niger flag
Niger
20.7 kg/m²
182
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
20.6 kg/m²
183
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
20.6 kg/m²
184
Uganda flag
Uganda
20.6 kg/m²
185
Zambia flag
Zambia
20.6 kg/m²
186
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
20.4 kg/m²
187
Eritrea flag
Eritrea
20.2 kg/m²
188
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
20.1 kg/m²
189
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
20.1 kg/m²
190
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
19.8 kg/m²

Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Nauru flagNauru
  2. #2Cook Islands flagCook Islands
  3. #3Niue flagNiue
  4. #4Tonga flagTonga
  5. #5Palau flagPalau
  6. #6Samoa flagSamoa
  7. #7Tuvalu flagTuvalu
  8. #8Kiribati flagKiribati
  9. #9Marshall Islands flagMarshall Islands
  10. #10United States flagUnited States

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #190Ethiopia flagEthiopia
  2. #189Vietnam flagVietnam
  3. #188Timor-Leste flagTimor-Leste
  4. #187Eritrea flagEritrea
  5. #186Congo, Democratic Republic of the flagCongo, Democratic Republic of the
  6. #185Zambia flagZambia
  7. #184Uganda flagUganda
  8. #183Rwanda flagRwanda
  9. #182Bangladesh flagBangladesh
  10. #181Niger flagNiger

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

In 2002, the country with the highest Average BMI for Adults was Nauru, with a BMI of 33.0 kg/m², while the global range spanned from 19.8 kg/m² to 33.0 kg/m². The global average BMI for adults was 24.44 kg/m², providing a snapshot of health trends worldwide.

Geographical Patterns and Economic Influences

The data reveals significant geographical and economic patterns in the Average BMI for Adults. Pacific Island nations, such as Nauru (33.0 kg/m²), Cook Islands (31.5 kg/m²), and Niue (30.5 kg/m²), top the list with the highest average BMIs. This trend is often attributed to economic and lifestyle changes, including increased access to calorie-dense foods and a shift away from traditional diets. These countries often face limited agricultural resources, leading to high importation rates of processed foods, which can contribute to higher obesity rates.

In contrast, countries with lower BMIs, such as Ethiopia (19.8 kg/m²) and Vietnam (20.1 kg/m²), are typically characterized by lower economic development and higher rates of food insecurity. These factors contribute to undernutrition and lower average BMIs. The disparity between these regions underscores the impact of economic status on nutritional health.

Demographic and Cultural Drivers

Demographic factors also play a crucial role in shaping the Average BMI for Adults. In the United States, with a BMI of 27.9 kg/m², cultural factors such as dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles contribute to higher BMI values. The prevalence of fast food and processed meals, coupled with a high rate of urbanization, influences dietary patterns and physical activity levels.

Conversely, countries like Rwanda (20.6 kg/m²) and Bangladesh (20.6 kg/m²) often have cultural norms that emphasize physical labor and traditional diets, which are lower in processed sugars and fats. These cultural practices can help maintain lower average BMIs despite economic challenges.

Policy and Public Health Implications

Public health policies have a significant impact on national BMI averages. In countries like Malaysia and the United States, which both saw an increase of 0.20 kg/m² in their average BMI, policy interventions might be necessary to address rising obesity rates. Initiatives promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and nutrition education can help mitigate these trends.

On the other hand, nations such as Nauru, despite having the highest BMI, saw a slight decrease of 0.10 kg/m². This suggests that efforts to address obesity, possibly through targeted health campaigns and community programs, may be beginning to take effect, highlighting the importance of sustained policy interventions.

Year-over-Year Changes and Their Significance

The year-over-year changes in Average BMI for Adults highlight both progress and ongoing challenges. The Gambia, United States, Saint Lucia, and Malaysia each experienced the largest increases of 0.20 kg/m², indicating a trend towards higher BMI that could be linked to lifestyle changes and increased availability of high-calorie foods.

Conversely, countries like Bahrain and Nauru recorded decreases in their average BMI, albeit slight, suggesting potential success in public health efforts aimed at reducing obesity. These shifts underscore the dynamic nature of global health trends and the need for adaptive health policies that address both economic and cultural contexts.

In summary, the Average BMI for Adults in 2002 reveals critical insights into global health patterns. The data emphasizes the influence of economic status, cultural practices, and public health policies on national health outcomes. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective strategies to promote healthier populations worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Average BMI for Adults in 2002

Which country had the highest average BMI for adults in 2002?

Nauru had the highest average BMI for adults in 2002, with a value of 33 kg/m².

Which country had the lowest average BMI for adults in 2002?

Ethiopia had the lowest average BMI for adults in 2002, with a value of 19.8 kg/m².

What was the average BMI for adults across all countries in 2002?

The average BMI for adults across all countries in 2002 was 24.44 kg/m².

What was the median BMI value for countries in 2002?

The median BMI value for countries in 2002 was 24.7 kg/m².

Which countries were in the top 3 for highest average BMI in 2002?

The top 3 countries for highest average BMI in 2002 were Nauru with 33 kg/m², Cook Islands with 31.5 kg/m², and Niue with 30.5 kg/m².

How many countries are included in the dataset for average BMI in 2002?

The dataset for average BMI in 2002 includes 190 countries.

Insights by country

1

Singapore

In 2002, Singapore had an Average BMI for Adults of 23.7 kg/m², ranking #124 out of 190 countries. This BMI value is lower than the global average, reflecting a healthier weight status compared to many other nations. Contributing factors include Singapore's robust healthcare system, public health initiatives promoting active lifestyles, and a high standard of living that influences dietary choices.

2

Iran

In 2002, Iran ranked #107 globally with an average BMI for adults of 24.4 kg/m². This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting a trend seen in many Middle Eastern countries where dietary habits have shifted towards higher calorie consumption. Contributing factors to Iran's average BMI include urbanization, which has led to more sedentary lifestyles, and changing food availability, with increased reliance on processed foods. Additionally, economic sanctions have impacted agricultural production and food imports, further influencing dietary patterns.

3

Mauritania

Mauritania ranked #141 globally for Average BMI for Adults in 2002, with a value of 22.4 kg/m². This figure is relatively low compared to many countries in North Africa, where higher BMIs are often observed. Contributing factors to this statistic include Mauritania's economic challenges, which impact access to diverse and nutritious food, as well as cultural practices that influence dietary habits.

4

Belgium

In 2002, Belgium had an Average BMI for Adults of 26 kg/m², ranking #50 out of 190 countries. This figure is slightly above the European average, indicating a growing concern over obesity in the region. Contributing factors include Belgium's high-calorie diet, characterized by rich foods and beer, alongside a sedentary lifestyle prevalent in urban areas.

5

Thailand

In 2002, Thailand had an Average BMI for Adults of 22.4 kg/m², ranking #142 out of 190 countries. This figure is slightly below the global average, indicating a relatively moderate weight status among its adult population. Contributing factors include Thailand's diverse cuisine, which emphasizes rice and vegetables, and a growing urban lifestyle that influences dietary habits and physical activity levels.

6

Gabon

In 2002, Gabon had an Average BMI for Adults of 23.1 kg/m², ranking #128 out of 190 countries. This figure is relatively moderate compared to higher BMI averages in neighboring countries, reflecting varied dietary habits and lifestyle choices in the region. Gabon's economy, heavily reliant on oil, influences access to food and healthcare, which can impact nutritional status and overall health outcomes.

7

Eritrea

Eritrea ranked #187 globally with an average BMI for adults of 20.2 kg/m² in 2002. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, indicating a higher prevalence of undernutrition compared to many other countries.

Factors contributing to this low BMI include Eritrea's challenging economic conditions, limited access to healthcare, and a history of conflict that has disrupted agricultural production and food security.

8

Tanzania

Tanzania's Average BMI for Adults in 2002 was 21.8 kg/m², ranking the country #154 out of 190 countries. This figure is below the global average, indicating a prevalence of undernutrition compared to higher-ranking nations. Contributing factors include economic challenges, limited access to healthcare, and a significant portion of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture, which affects dietary diversity.

9

Italy

In 2002, Italy had an average BMI for adults of 26.1 kg/m², ranking #48 out of 190 countries. This figure is higher than the European average, indicating a trend of increasing weight in the region. Contributing factors include Italy’s rich culinary culture, which emphasizes high-calorie traditional foods, along with a sedentary lifestyle in urban areas.

10

Latvia

In 2002, Latvia had an Average BMI for Adults of 25.7 kg/m², ranking #67 out of 190 countries. This figure is slightly above the European average, indicating a moderate prevalence of overweight individuals in the population. Contributing factors include Latvia's transition to a market economy post-independence, which has influenced dietary habits and lifestyle choices, as well as urbanization patterns that affect physical activity levels.

Data Source

Mean body mass index (BMI) in men | Our World in Data

Our World in Data is a research organization that provides comprehensive global statistics on various topics, including health, economics, and environment. The dataset on mean body mass index (BMI) in men presents country-level statistics on the average BMI of adult males across different nations.

Visit Data Source

Historical Data by Year

Explore Average BMI for Adults data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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