Obesity is a worldwide issue.
What does being obese look like? Obesity is usually defined as a Body Mass Index over 30. The picture below is of a man in his mid 20’s who weighs 182kg/400lb and has a BMI of 52.8
How much of the world's population is overweight?
Back in 2016, according to the World Health Organisation based on body mass index, 39% of adults worldwide were overweight and 13% were obese. [World Health Organisation]
Pink = Not overweight BMI <25
48%
Red = Overweight BMI >25
39%
Black = Obese BMI > 30
13%
What does being overweight or obese look like relative to body mass index?
Body mass index (BMI) is an index of weight-for-height. It is defined as a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters (kg/m2).
BMI should be considered a rough guide as it is can be inaccurate for body fat content and does not take into account muscle mass, bone density, pregnancy, overall body composition, racial and gender differences.
Having a high BMI can be harmful.
High BMI is a major risk factor for diseases such as:
- cardiovascular diseases (mainly heart disease and stroke),
- diabetes;
- musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis);
- some cancers (including endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon).
Can I take away?
BMI > 25
A BMI of 25 or more means that you are overweight.
Over 50%
In 2016 more than 50% of the world's population was overweight.
Does the science weigh up?
Green Flag
Global 2016 population statistics from the World Health Organisation are likely to be trusted.
Not Stinky
BMI is an easy tool to use. As a rough guide it can help you understand if you are overweight.
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