Average BMI for Adults 2010
The average BMI for adults provides insight into a country's health trends, highlighting potential obesity issues.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Nauru | 32.5 kg/m² | |
2 | Cook Islands | 32.2 kg/m² | |
3 | Niue | 31 kg/m² | |
4 | Tonga | 30.3 kg/m² | |
5 | Samoa | 29.9 kg/m² | |
6 | Tuvalu | 29.6 kg/m² | |
7 | Palau | 29.4 kg/m² | |
8 | Kiribati | 28.7 kg/m² | |
9 | United States | 28.6 kg/m² | |
10 | Marshall Islands | 28.5 kg/m² | |
11 | Kuwait | 28.4 kg/m² | |
12 | Qatar | 28.2 kg/m² | |
13 | Saint Lucia | 28.2 kg/m² | |
14 | Micronesia (Fed. States of) | 27.8 kg/m² | |
15 | New Zealand | 27.8 kg/m² | |
16 | Ireland | 27.6 kg/m² | |
17 | Jordan | 27.6 kg/m² | |
18 | Malta | 27.6 kg/m² | |
19 | Czech Republic | 27.5 kg/m² | |
20 | Hungary | 27.5 kg/m² | |
21 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 27.5 kg/m² | |
22 | Saudi Arabia | 27.5 kg/m² | |
23 | United Arab Emirates | 27.5 kg/m² | |
24 | Cyprus | 27.4 kg/m² | |
25 | Andorra | 27.3 kg/m² | |
26 | Australia | 27.3 kg/m² | |
27 | Greece | 27.3 kg/m² | |
28 | Lebanon | 27.3 kg/m² | |
29 | Argentina | 27.2 kg/m² | |
30 | Canada | 27.2 kg/m² | |
31 | Chile | 27.2 kg/m² | |
32 | Croatia | 27.2 kg/m² | |
33 | Egypt | 27.2 kg/m² | |
34 | Israel | 27.1 kg/m² | |
35 | Mexico | 27.1 kg/m² | |
36 | United Kingdom | 27.1 kg/m² | |
37 | Belize | 27 kg/m² | |
38 | Germany | 27 kg/m² | |
39 | Iraq | 27 kg/m² | |
40 | Spain | 27 kg/m² | |
41 | Norway | 26.9 kg/m² | |
42 | Luxembourg | 26.8 kg/m² | |
43 | Slovakia | 26.8 kg/m² | |
44 | Syrian Arab Republic | 26.8 kg/m² | |
45 | Georgia | 26.7 kg/m² | |
46 | Iceland | 26.7 kg/m² | |
47 | North Macedonia | 26.7 kg/m² | |
48 | Bahamas | 26.6 kg/m² | |
49 | Lithuania | 26.6 kg/m² | |
50 | Poland | 26.6 kg/m² | |
51 | Turkey | 26.6 kg/m² | |
52 | Uruguay | 26.6 kg/m² | |
53 | Bulgaria | 26.5 kg/m² | |
54 | Estonia | 26.5 kg/m² | |
55 | Italy | 26.5 kg/m² | |
56 | Latvia | 26.5 kg/m² | |
57 | Ukraine | 26.5 kg/m² | |
58 | Venezuela | 26.5 kg/m² | |
59 | Albania | 26.4 kg/m² | |
60 | Belgium | 26.4 kg/m² | |
61 | El Salvador | 26.4 kg/m² | |
62 | Finland | 26.4 kg/m² | |
63 | Libya | 26.4 kg/m² | |
64 | Montenegro | 26.4 kg/m² | |
65 | Sweden | 26.4 kg/m² | |
66 | Switzerland | 26.4 kg/m² | |
67 | Austria | 26.3 kg/m² | |
68 | Brunei Darussalam | 26.3 kg/m² | |
69 | Costa Rica | 26.3 kg/m² | |
70 | Portugal | 26.2 kg/m² | |
71 | Serbia | 26.2 kg/m² | |
72 | Denmark | 26.1 kg/m² | |
73 | Republic of Moldova | 26.1 kg/m² | |
74 | Nicaragua | 26.1 kg/m² | |
75 | Slovenia | 26.1 kg/m² | |
76 | Trinidad and Tobago | 26.1 kg/m² | |
77 | Belarus | 26 kg/m² | |
78 | Fiji | 26 kg/m² | |
79 | Romania | 26 kg/m² | |
80 | Barbados | 25.9 kg/m² | |
81 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 25.9 kg/m² | |
82 | Ecuador | 25.9 kg/m² | |
83 | Paraguay | 25.9 kg/m² | |
84 | France | 25.8 kg/m² | |
85 | Netherlands | 25.8 kg/m² | |
86 | Oman | 25.8 kg/m² | |
87 | Panama | 25.8 kg/m² | |
88 | Turkmenistan | 25.8 kg/m² | |
89 | Haiti | 25.7 kg/m² | |
90 | Kazakhstan | 25.7 kg/m² | |
91 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 25.7 kg/m² | |
92 | Azerbaijan | 25.5 kg/m² | |
93 | Brazil | 25.5 kg/m² | |
94 | Peru | 25.5 kg/m² | |
95 | Russia | 25.5 kg/m² | |
96 | Uzbekistan | 25.5 kg/m² | |
97 | Honduras | 25.4 kg/m² | |
98 | Vanuatu | 25.4 kg/m² | |
99 | Kyrgyzstan | 25.3 kg/m² | |
100 | Antigua and Barbuda | 25.2 kg/m² | |
101 | Guatemala | 25.2 kg/m² | |
102 | Armenia | 25.1 kg/m² | |
103 | Colombia | 25.1 kg/m² | |
104 | Dominican Republic | 25.1 kg/m² | |
105 | Jamaica | 25.1 kg/m² | |
106 | Solomon Islands | 25.1 kg/m² | |
107 | Tajikistan | 25.1 kg/m² | |
108 | Mongolia | 25 kg/m² | |
109 | Seychelles | 25 kg/m² | |
110 | Suriname | 25 kg/m² | |
111 | Bahrain | 24.9 kg/m² | |
112 | Iran | 24.9 kg/m² | |
113 | Tunisia | 24.9 kg/m² | |
114 | Morocco | 24.8 kg/m² | |
115 | Papua New Guinea | 24.8 kg/m² | |
116 | Bolivia | 24.7 kg/m² | |
117 | Cuba | 24.7 kg/m² | |
118 | Grenada | 24.7 kg/m² | |
119 | South Africa | 24.7 kg/m² | |
120 | Malaysia | 24.6 kg/m² | |
121 | Dominica | 24.5 kg/m² | |
122 | Guyana | 24.5 kg/m² | |
123 | Mauritius | 24.4 kg/m² | |
124 | Algeria | 24.2 kg/m² | |
125 | Eswatini | 24 kg/m² | |
126 | Singapore | 24 kg/m² | |
127 | South Korea | 24 kg/m² | |
128 | Gabon | 23.7 kg/m² | |
129 | Maldives | 23.7 kg/m² | |
130 | North Korea | 23.7 kg/m² | |
131 | Sao Tome and Principe | 23.6 kg/m² | |
132 | Cabo Verde | 23.4 kg/m² | |
133 | China | 23.4 kg/m² | |
134 | Japan | 23.4 kg/m² | |
135 | Cameroon | 23.3 kg/m² | |
136 | Djibouti | 23.2 kg/m² | |
137 | Liberia | 23.2 kg/m² | |
138 | Thailand | 23.2 kg/m² | |
139 | Côte d'Ivoire | 23.1 kg/m² | |
140 | Yemen | 23.1 kg/m² | |
141 | Comoros | 23 kg/m² | |
142 | Mauritania | 23 kg/m² | |
143 | Bhutan | 22.9 kg/m² | |
144 | Gambia | 22.8 kg/m² | |
145 | Pakistan | 22.8 kg/m² | |
146 | Ghana | 22.5 kg/m² | |
147 | Guinea-Bissau | 22.5 kg/m² | |
148 | Mali | 22.5 kg/m² | |
149 | Namibia | 22.5 kg/m² | |
150 | Philippines | 22.5 kg/m² | |
151 | Benin | 22.4 kg/m² | |
152 | Nigeria | 22.4 kg/m² | |
153 | Botswana | 22.3 kg/m² | |
154 | Lesotho | 22.3 kg/m² | |
155 | Togo | 22.3 kg/m² | |
156 | Guinea | 22.2 kg/m² | |
157 | Malawi | 22.2 kg/m² | |
158 | Somalia | 22.2 kg/m² | |
159 | Afghanistan | 22.1 kg/m² | |
160 | Tanzania | 22.1 kg/m² | |
161 | Congo | 22 kg/m² | |
162 | Equatorial Guinea | 22 kg/m² | |
163 | Laos | 22 kg/m² | |
164 | Zimbabwe | 22 kg/m² | |
165 | Angola | 21.9 kg/m² | |
166 | Burkina Faso | 21.9 kg/m² | |
167 | Indonesia | 21.9 kg/m² | |
168 | Kenya | 21.9 kg/m² | |
169 | Nepal | 21.9 kg/m² | |
170 | Sri Lanka | 21.9 kg/m² | |
171 | Sierra Leone | 21.8 kg/m² | |
172 | Central African Republic | 21.7 kg/m² | |
173 | Chad | 21.7 kg/m² | |
174 | Mozambique | 21.7 kg/m² | |
175 | Myanmar | 21.7 kg/m² | |
176 | Senegal | 21.7 kg/m² | |
177 | Burundi | 21.5 kg/m² | |
178 | Cambodia | 21.5 kg/m² | |
179 | India | 21.3 kg/m² | |
180 | Madagascar | 21.2 kg/m² | |
181 | Niger | 21.2 kg/m² | |
182 | Uganda | 21.2 kg/m² | |
183 | Bangladesh | 21 kg/m² | |
184 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 21 kg/m² | |
185 | Rwanda | 21 kg/m² | |
186 | Vietnam | 21 kg/m² | |
187 | Zambia | 21 kg/m² | |
188 | Timor-Leste | 20.7 kg/m² | |
189 | Eritrea | 20.3 kg/m² | |
190 | Ethiopia | 20 kg/m² |
- #1
Nauru
- #2
Cook Islands
- #3
Niue
- #4
Tonga
- #5
Samoa
- #6
Tuvalu
- #7
Palau
- #8
Kiribati
- #9
United States
- #10
Marshall Islands
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #190
Ethiopia
- #189
Eritrea
- #188
Timor-Leste
- #187
Zambia
- #186
Vietnam
- #185
Rwanda
- #184
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
- #183
Bangladesh
- #182
Uganda
- #181
Niger
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2010, the country with the highest Average BMI for Adults was Nauru with a BMI of 32.5 kg/m², while the global range spanned from a minimum of 20.00 kg/m² to this maximum. The global average BMI in 2010 was 25.04 kg/m², providing a snapshot of worldwide health trends and potential obesity issues.
Regional Disparities in Average BMI for Adults
The data on Average BMI for Adults in 2010 reveals significant regional disparities. Nauru leads with an average BMI of 32.5 kg/m², followed closely by other Pacific island nations such as the Cook Islands (32.2 kg/m²) and Niue (31 kg/m²). These elevated figures can be attributed to dietary patterns that are often high in calories and low in nutritional diversity, combined with limited physical activity.
In contrast, countries like Ethiopia and Eritrea reported some of the lowest average BMIs, with values of 20 kg/m² and 20.3 kg/m² respectively. These figures are indicative of regions where undernutrition and food insecurity remain significant challenges, affecting overall population health.
Socioeconomic Factors Influencing BMI
The socioeconomic landscape plays a crucial role in shaping the average BMI of a country. Developed countries such as the United States, with a BMI of 28.6 kg/m², often experience higher obesity rates due to factors including urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and the availability of high-calorie processed foods. Conversely, countries with lower economic development, such as Bangladesh and Zambia, both with a BMI of 21 kg/m², tend to have lower average BMIs. This can be linked to limited access to food, economic constraints, and a higher prevalence of physical labor.
Year-over-Year Trends and Changes
Analyzing year-over-year changes, the average global BMI increased by 0.07 kg/m², marking a 0.3% rise. Notable increases occurred in countries like Saint Lucia, Romania, and Peru, each experiencing a 0.20 kg/m² increase. These increments could be associated with shifts towards westernized diets and lifestyle changes that accompany economic development and urbanization.
In contrast, several countries including Nauru and Tonga showed no change in their average BMI, maintaining their high levels. This stagnation might suggest persistent lifestyle factors and dietary habits that have not been effectively addressed through policy or public health initiatives.
Policy Implications and Health Initiatives
These BMI trends underscore the necessity for tailored public health policies. In countries with high average BMIs like the United States and Palau (29.4 kg/m²), there is a pressing need for interventions promoting healthier diets and increased physical activity. Nutritional education and urban planning that encourages active transportation could be pivotal in reversing these trends.
Conversely, in countries with low BMIs such as Vietnam and Uganda (both 21 kg/m²), addressing malnutrition through improved food security and agricultural policies is crucial. Investments in healthcare infrastructure and nutritional programs could help bridge the gap between low BMI and optimal health outcomes.
Overall, understanding the factors that influence Average BMI for Adults in different countries provides valuable insights into global health challenges and the diverse policy approaches needed to address them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Average BMI for Adults in 2010
Which country had the highest average BMI for adults in 2010?
Nauru had the highest average BMI for adults in 2010, with a value of 32.5 kg/m².
What was the average BMI for adults across all countries in 2010?
The average BMI for adults across all countries in 2010 was 25.04 kg/m².
Which country had the lowest average BMI for adults in 2010?
Ethiopia had the lowest average BMI for adults in 2010, with a value of 20 kg/m².
What was the median BMI for adults in 2010?
The median BMI for adults in 2010 was 25.5 kg/m².
What is the BMI range between the highest and lowest countries in 2010?
The BMI range between the highest and lowest countries in 2010 was 12.5 kg/m², from Nauru at 32.5 kg/m² to Ethiopia at 20 kg/m².
Which countries were in the top 3 for average BMI in 2010?
The top 3 countries for average BMI in 2010 were Nauru with 32.5 kg/m², Cook Islands with 32.2 kg/m², and Niue with 31 kg/m².
Insights by country
Denmark
In 2010, Denmark had an average BMI for adults of 26.1 kg/m², ranking #72 out of 190 countries. This figure is higher than the average BMI in neighboring Sweden, which reflects differing dietary habits and lifestyle choices. Contributing factors to Denmark's BMI include a high standard of living and the widespread consumption of rich foods, alongside a strong emphasis on cycling and physical activity, which can influence overall health outcomes.
Haiti
In 2010, Haiti had an Average BMI for Adults of 25.7 kg/m², ranking #89 out of 190 countries. This figure is slightly above the global average, indicating a growing concern about nutrition in a country facing significant economic challenges. Factors such as limited access to healthcare, food insecurity, and a high prevalence of poverty contribute to the population's health and nutritional status.
France
In 2010, France had an Average BMI for Adults of 25.8 kg/m², ranking #84 out of 190 countries. This figure is slightly above the European average, indicating a moderate prevalence of overweight adults compared to its neighbors. Contributing factors include France's rich culinary culture, which emphasizes high-calorie foods, and a lifestyle that may prioritize dining experiences over physical activity.
New Zealand
In 2010, New Zealand had an average BMI for adults of 27.8 kg/m², ranking #14 out of 190 countries. This figure is notably higher than the global average, indicating a significant prevalence of overweight and obesity in the population. Contributing factors include the country's lifestyle choices, such as high consumption of processed foods and a sedentary lifestyle, alongside socio-economic influences that affect dietary habits.
Laos
In 2010, Laos had an Average BMI for Adults of 22 kg/m², ranking #163 out of 190 countries. This figure is relatively moderate compared to neighboring countries like Thailand, which typically exhibits higher average BMI values. Contributing factors to this statistic include Laos's predominantly agrarian economy, which influences dietary habits, and a younger population demographic that may have lower obesity rates.
Greece
In 2010, Greece had an Average BMI for Adults of 27.3 kg/m², ranking #27 out of 190 countries. This figure is higher than the European regional average, reflecting lifestyle choices and dietary habits prevalent in Mediterranean cultures. Contributing factors include the traditional Greek diet, which is rich in olive oil and fresh produce, alongside increasing urbanization and sedentary lifestyles among the population.
Peru
In 2010, Peru had an Average BMI for Adults of 25.5 kg/m², ranking #94 out of 190 countries. This figure is slightly above the regional average for South America, indicating a trend towards higher body mass indexes in the area. Contributing factors include urbanization, dietary changes towards more processed foods, and a growing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles among the population.
Lithuania
In 2010, Lithuania had an Average BMI for Adults of 26.6 kg/m², ranking #49 out of 190 countries. This figure is notably higher than the European average, indicating potential public health concerns. Contributing factors include a shift towards more sedentary lifestyles and dietary changes influenced by economic development and urbanization.
Vanuatu
In 2010, Vanuatu ranked #98 globally with an average BMI for adults of 25.4 kg/m². This figure is notably higher than that of many neighboring Pacific island nations, reflecting regional health challenges. Contributing factors include limited access to diverse food sources and increasing reliance on imported processed foods, which can lead to higher obesity rates.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua had an average BMI for adults of 26.1 kg/m² in 2010, ranking #74 out of 190 countries. This figure is higher than the average BMI in Central America, indicating a growing concern about obesity in the region.
Factors contributing to this statistic include economic challenges that limit access to healthy foods and a cultural shift towards more sedentary lifestyles, particularly in urban areas. Additionally, the country's agricultural practices and food security issues may influence dietary habits, further impacting average BMI 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 SourceHistorical Data by Year
Explore Average BMI for Adults data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.