Obese People in the World
CURRENT TOTAL
Live Counter Notable Facts
(Data shown in the table is for 2025. Counter shows current estimate)
Global Prevalence
Childhood Obesity
Economic Burden
Understanding Obese People in the World
This counter tracks the global population living with obesity, defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Currently, approximately 1 billion adults worldwide are classified as obese, representing a tripling of obesity rates since 1975.
Obesity has evolved from a primarily aesthetic concern to recognition as a complex chronic disease with serious health, social, and economic implications. It affects virtually every organ system and significantly increases the risk of numerous serious health conditions.
The obesity epidemic reflects the interaction of genetic, behavioral, environmental, and social factors. Modern food environments characterized by ultra-processed foods, combined with reduced physical activity, have created conditions that promote weight gain across populations.
Global Obesity Crisis
- Obesity rates have increased in virtually every country over the past four decades, with some nations seeing prevalence rates exceed 35% of their adult population.
- The condition disproportionately affects certain demographic groups, with complex relationships to socioeconomic status that vary significantly between developed and developing countries.
- Childhood obesity has emerged as a particularly concerning trend, with rates increasing rapidly and carrying implications for lifelong health and healthcare costs.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated obesity trends, with lockdowns, stress, and disrupted healthcare affecting eating behaviors and physical activity levels.
Obesity and Health Terminology
- Obesity: BMI of 30.0 kg/m² or higher, classified as a chronic disease by major health organizations
- Severe Obesity: BMI of 40.0 kg/m² or higher, associated with significantly increased health risks
- Visceral Fat: Fat stored around internal organs, particularly harmful to health even at lower total body weights
- Bariatric Medicine: Medical specialty focused on the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity
Health Consequences of Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes (90% increased risk)
- Cardiovascular disease (increased risk of heart attack and stroke)
- Certain cancers (13 types linked to obesity)
- Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- Mental health impacts including depression
- Reduced life expectancy (up to 10 years)
Countries with Highest Obesity Rates (2025)
- Nauru: 79% of adults obese
- Tonga: 71% of adults obese
- Samoa: 65% of adults obese
- Kuwait: 43% of adults obese
- United States: 42% of adults obese
- Qatar: 41% of adults obese
Data Sources and References
Methodology and Data Collection
Obesity prevalence data is collected through national health surveys, WHO STEPwise surveys, and demographic health surveys that include measured height and weight data from representative population samples.
Global estimates integrate multiple data sources and use statistical modeling to account for demographic changes and provide real-time estimates of obesity prevalence worldwide.