Globally, 39% of adults are overweight/obese; Nauru is the fattest nation; Vietnam is the skinniest; health risks associated.
A new interactive map published by Our World in Data has revealed the world’s fattest countries. The map uses data compiled from figures from 195 countries around the world, based on body mass index (BMI) of 128.9 million people. Statistics were based on people who were underweight, overweight or obese, with a BMI of 25 or over constituting obesity and a “healthy” BMI being 18.5 to 24.9. The map revealed that 39% of the world’s adults were overweight or obese, with 68% of Americans falling into those categories. All 10 of the world’s fattest countries were in the Pacific, with Nauru holding the top spot with 88.5% of the population being overweight or obese. The United States was ranked the 15th fattest nation and Britain came in at 30. Vietnam is ranked as the skinniest nation with just 18.3% of the people being considered overweight or obese.
Having an increased BMI is associated with an increased risk of many health conditions including death, stroke, cancer and high blood pressure. A recent study suggested that obesity should be classified as a brain development disorder rather than a behavioral disease. Therefore, it is important for individuals to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of developing these health conditions.
In order to reduce the risk of obesity, it is important to make healthy lifestyle choices. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, governments should also take steps to reduce the prevalence of obesity. This includes introducing policies such as taxes on unhealthy foods, restrictions on advertising and marketing of unhealthy foods, and promoting physical activity.
The map published by Our World in Data has highlighted the stark differences between countries in terms of obesity rates. It is important to take steps to reduce the prevalence of obesity in order to improve the health of individuals worldwide. This can be achieved through individuals making healthier lifestyle choices and governments introducing policies to reduce the prevalence of obesity.
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