The countries with the biggest waistlines
Obesity rates are on the up and up across the entire world. While this is not a new trend, it is certainly concerning how much worse the issue has gotten over the last several decades. Overconsumption of sugar, processed foods, and other dietary changes that have distanced populations from their traditional diets is causing a cohort of chronic conditions that are actually reducing life expectancy rates for many nations around the world.
The top 10 most obese countries in the world will surprise you. Did your country make the list? Click on to find out.
Why keep track of body weight?
Waistline size is not about aesthetics. Governments keep track of the population's body weight as it's an indicator of rates of obesity.
What causes weight gain?
Being overweight is often caused by genetic conditions, poor nutritional choices, or even cultural factors that can contribute.
Health conditions linked to obesity
Obesity is linked to various health conditions, such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes, even certain kinds of cancers.
Leading cause of preventable death
According to research on obesity, it is also the leading cause of preventable death in the world. Despite this, obesity rates continue to rise.
Epidemic
Obesity has actually been considered an epidemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1997. Pictured is a weight-loss camp in China.
BMI as a measurement
Body Mass Index (BMI) is by far from being a perfect measurement, but it is what the majority of the world uses as a standard to understand a person’s weight in proportion with their height.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a huge concern for countries around the world attempting to address health concerns related to weight.
10. The Bahamas
According to the Global Nutrition Report, the Bahamas is “off course” to fulfill its global nutrition targets. Diabetes affects more than 15% of the population.
9. French Polynesia
French Polynesia occupies the ninth spot of the most obese countries in the world. Over 80% of adults are overweight, according to the World Health Organization.
8. Samoa
The tiny island country of Samoa only has a population of approximately 200,000 people, yet it occupies the eighth place in most obese countries in the world.
7. Tuvalu
The seventh most obese nation in the world is Tuvalu. The leading cause of death is diabetes and heart diseases across all ages and genders.
6. Niue
The Pacific Island nation of Niue is the sixth most obese nation in the world. This is largely due to dependence on imported, processes foods that are high in fat and sodium.
5. The Cook Islands
The Cook Islands hold the fifth-highest obesity rate in the world. The nation’s population suffers from a 68% obesity rate.
4. Tokelau
Tokelau has the fourth-highest obesity rate in the world, with reports noting that 69% of its population is obese. Like many island nations, environmental factors have caused an increased reliance on imported foods, which has greatly impacted the population’s nutrition.
3. Nauru
The nation of Nauru suffers from a 70% obesity rate. According to data, 71% of women and 70% of men on the tiny Micronesian island are obese, making it the nation with the third-highest obesity rate in the world.
2. Tonga
The second-most obese nation in the world is Tonga. Approximately 70% of the nation’s population is obese, with 61% of men and 79% of women reported as such.
1. American Samoa
American Samoa, a US territory in the South Pacific, is the most obese nation in the world. Nearly 76% of the population is reportedly obese. Just over 80% of women and 70% of men are considered to be obese on the island.
