Overweight People in the World
CURRENT TOTAL
Live Counter Notable Facts
(Data shown in the table is for 2025. Counter shows current estimate)
Global Prevalence
Fastest Growing Region
Economic Impact
Understanding Overweight People in the World
This counter tracks the global population of adults who are overweight, defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or higher. Currently, approximately 2.5 billion adults worldwide are classified as overweight, representing a significant global health challenge.
The rise in overweight populations reflects fundamental changes in food systems, physical activity patterns, and socioeconomic conditions worldwide. What was once primarily a concern in developed countries has become a global phenomenon affecting both urban and rural populations.
Being overweight increases the risk of numerous health conditions including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and musculoskeletal disorders. The condition also places substantial economic burdens on healthcare systems and reduces quality of life for millions of people.
Global Overweight Trends
- The prevalence of overweight adults has increased dramatically over the past four decades, with rates more than doubling in many countries since 1980.
- Urban populations typically show higher rates of overweight than rural populations, though this gap is narrowing as processed foods become more accessible in rural areas.
- The transition to overweight often occurs rapidly during periods of economic development, as traditional diets are replaced by calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods.
- Women and men are affected differently across regions, with cultural, economic, and biological factors influencing gender-specific patterns of weight gain.
Weight and Health Terminology
- Overweight: BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m², indicating weight above normal range but below obesity
- Body Mass Index (BMI): Weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, used to classify weight status
- Metabolic Syndrome: Cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels
- Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Chronic diseases largely linked to lifestyle factors including diet and physical activity
Regional Overweight Prevalence (2025)
- North America: 75% of adults overweight
- Europe: 67% of adults overweight
- Middle East: 64% of adults overweight
- Latin America: 62% of adults overweight
- Asia Pacific: 42% of adults overweight
- Africa: 38% of adults overweight
Contributing Factors
- Increased consumption of processed foods
- Sedentary lifestyles and reduced physical activity
- Urbanization and changing food environments
- Economic factors affecting food choices
- Marketing of high-calorie foods
- Stress and mental health factors
Data Sources and References
Methodology and Data Collection
Overweight prevalence data is compiled from national health surveys, demographic health surveys, and WHO STEPwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS) surveys that measure height and weight in representative population samples.
Global estimates are produced by combining country-specific data with demographic projections and statistical modeling to account for populations without recent survey data.