Obesity epidemic : the ten countries with the fattest people
91Introduction
Ever wondered idly where the fattest people live? Which country in the world is home to the porkiest people? Wonder no more!
The Economist publishes yearly figures for every country in the world, about every single statistic you can imagine.
Amid % spending of GDP on health care, and average figures for literacy and clean water supplies, is a list of the obese populations of each country.
So I got out my calculator, did a little extra research, and here they are! The top ten countries for obesity.
I must admit, I was prejudiced. I expected the USA to top the list, and I was absolutely wrong.
I also thought England would thud heavily towards the top, but it didn't even make the list (an honourable 12th place only.)
The figures are for the percentage of the adult population with a BMI over 30.
That will, of course, catch a few rugby players and heavyweight boxers who have high BMIs and low body fat percentages, but most people with a BMI of 30+ are just fat.
10th fattest - Cyprus
The Republic of Cyprus nestles in the warm waters of the Mediterraean, occupying in law the whole island of Cyprus, but in fact about 60% of the land area (the unrecognised Turkish Cyprus bags the rest).
About 800,000 people call Cyprus home, and approximately 2.5 million tourists a year visit.
Independent from Britain since 1960, Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004.
Awash with classical mythology and ruins, Cyprus was the home of Aphrodite (Greek goddess of beauty and sex) and Adonis (Greek god of ever-youth, male beauty, and plants).
Today's Cypriot gods and goddesses are somewhat larger than their classical counterparts - 26.6% of Cypriot men are obese, and 23.7% of women.
Overall, the island nation comes in at tenth place in the fat list, with 25.15% of the population having a BMI of over 30.
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Joint 8th in porkiness - Bahrain
The Kingdom of Bahrain ("Bahrain" means "two seas") is a constitutional monarchy in the Persian Gulf, and has been Islamic since about 900 AD.
The country spreads across 33 islands, near Saudi Arabia (a big bridge connects the countries) and Qatar (another massive bridge is planned).
Oil was found in the country in the early 1930s, and much of the country's wealth is based on oil.
The country is hot and dry - 93% of the land is desert, and only 3% can be used for farming.
About 1.2 million people live in Bahrain, and they are a large lot. 23.3% of men are obese, and 34.1% of women - overall, 28.7% of the adult population is obese.
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Joint 8th for obesity - Kuwait
The second, but far from last, appearance in this list from a country in the Middle East.
Kuwait, bordering Saudi Arabia and Iraq, is a constitutional monarchy. 3.5 millionpeople live here, but only 1.5 million of them are Kuwaiti citizens.
The country became independent from Britain in 1961. Today, it's an Islamic, Arabic-speaking nation, and an important oil producer - it has the fifth largest oil reserves in the world, and 95% of exports are oil.
Kuwait is hot, desert-like, and dry - the only country in the world which doesn't have a natural lake or water reservoir.
And they are a well-sized lot. 28.7% of Kuwaitis are obese. Women are more fat here, as 29.9% of them have a BMI of 30 or more, compared with 27.5% of men.
7th chubby country - Albania
29.2% of Albanians are obese - the second European country to grab a place on the fat list.
The Republic of Albania has borders with Kosovo (also an Albanian-speaking country), Greece, Macedonia, and Montenegro.
Until the break-up of Yugoslavia, all those, apart from Greece, were part of the former country.
Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe. Approximately 3.5 million people call the place home.
Most are Muslim, but there are also large Christian Orthodox and Catholic communities.
Albania had one of the best-ever named Kings - King Zog, who ruled in the 1920s and 1930s.
The country is now a parliamentary democracy, following several decades of communist rule by Enver Hoxha, ending when he died in 1985.
Albania has a long coastline, and is a very hilly and green country.
22.8% of men are obese, here, and an astonishing 35.6% of women.
Obese Mexico in 6th place
The first of three American countries to make the cut, and the last country on this list where fewer than 30% of the adults are obese, is the United Mexican States.
Mexico, a federal republic, has 31 federal states, and a population estimated at 110 million people. It is a Spanish-speaking country (with tens of native languages as well) and a Christian country, in fact but not in law. Most Mexicans, some 90%, are Roman Catholics.
Oil is Mexico's biggest foreign export (there is a real trend here - oil-producing nations are fat countries).
The country notches up 29.45% of its adults as obese. Men are seriously slimmer than women in Mexico - 24.4% of men have a BMI of over 30, far less than the 34.5% of women who make the grade.
Other top ten lists, of the most expensive and the cheapest cities in the world
- Top 10 Most Expensive Cities In The World
Ever wondered what are the most expensive places in the world to live? Everyone knows that it costs more to live in some places than others, but just what is the most expensive city in the world to live in. ... - Top 10 Cheapest Cities In The World
Ever wondered where would be a cheap place to live? Wonder no more as this page lists the cheapest major cities in the world in which to live.
A canal through the middle of obesity - Panama is number 5
The Republic of Panama sits either side of the isthmus connecting the north and south American tectonic plates, and has land borders with Columbia and Costa Rica.
Bagged by the Spanish in their massive colonisation efforts in the 16th century, Panama remained a Spanish possession for 300-odd years, before becoming independent finally in 1903.
Panama's position astride the narrow land bridge has made it unique.
Without the Panama Canal, ships wanting to go from the Atlantic to the Pacific would still have to go right round South America, never an easy or short journey.
The Canal had been thought of for some time, and after declaring independence, Panama granted the USA the land to build and run the 50-odd mile Canal forever.
In 1977, control passed to Panama from the USA.
Panama is a wet, tropical country, with extensive rainforests.
An officially Spanish-speaking democracy with approximately 3.5 million people (40% speak various forms of English), Panama citizens are almost all Christian, and Roman Catholic.
32% of adults in the country are obese, 27.9% of men, and 36.1% of women.
In a surprisingly low 4th for fatties, the USA
The third and last American country on the list is the United States of America.
Another oil-producer, there really may be a link here....
The USA is a federal republic, with a population of about 307 million people. There is no official state language, but the standard across the country is English, with Spanish the most-used second.
The USA's population is 32.15% obese. 34.1% of American adult men have a BMI of over 30, and 33.2% of American women. The figures for the two genders are much closer than most entrants on the list.
A (large) bronze medal for Saudi Arabia
Back to the Middle East, and third on the list is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi has borders with lots of other countries - Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Bahrain, Jordan and Yemen.
The current Kingdom dates from 1932, and the country is ruled by the House of Saud, as an Islamic absolute monarchy. In keeping with the Islamic nature of the state, women's activities are severely limited (they must cover up comprehensively, and can't drive) and there is no alcohol.
It is a major oil producer, the biggest oil exporter in the world. The oil and obesity theme continues....
Most of the country is hot and desert, and only 2% of the land is used for agriculture.
The Arabic-speaking population is estimated at about 27 million people. 35.2% of the country's adults are obese, 26.4% of men and 44% of women.
Settling for 2nd place, the obese people of Lebanon
The large people of Lebanon live in a small country on the Mediterraean, with Israel and Syria as neighbours.
Lebanon was a peaceful and prosperous place (the "Switzerland of the Middle East") until the civil war started in the late 1970s, and since then, has become a troubled and violent place. Since 2006, things have definitely improved for the country.
Lebanon is a rocky and upland country in the main, with a temperate Mediterraean climate.
It became independant in 1941, having previously been a French colony. The offical languages today are Arabic and French.
Approximately 4 million people live in the country, and another 18 million of Lebanese descent (mostly Christian) live across the world. The current citizens are approximately 60% Muslim and 39% Christian.
Those 4 million are a large lot. 37.3% of the adults in the country are obese, 36.3% of men and 38.3% of women have a BMI of over 30. Although in second place overall, Lebanese men are the fattest in the world.
First place in the obesity epidemic - Qatar!
Qatar is a clear winner in the fattest people competition. Another Middle Eastern country, it is next to other entrants in this list, such as Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Qatar became an Islamic country in the mid 7th century AD, and remains so. It became independent from Britain in 1971, and is now an Emirate.
A lot of the countries in this list are oil producers, and a lot are former British colonies. Qatar is, fittingly, both. It has massive reserves of both oil and natural gas, and zero income tax for its citizens. It is a very wealthy country indeed, by many measures, it has the highest GDP in the world.
Qatar's estimated 1.5 million citizens are Arabic speakers.
And they are large. Very large. More than 2.5% higher than second-placed in this list, 39.95% of adults are obese. 34.6% of men have a BMI of over 30, and an absolutely astonishing 45.3% of women are obese.
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Comments
Wow, never would of guessed that Mexicans were on their. I'm surprised of the other ones too though. Good info. there's a lot of big people in my town and they have a street called Commit to be fit Ave statistics show a slow participation. Thanks for the info and keep it hubbing.
Very interesting (and surprising) Hub. I'd like to read more about this. I guess I was under the impression that the U.S. might be Number 1, based on what the media presents and on what we all see at the local grocery store or schools. My theory is that stress may be far more of a contributor to all obesity than many people seem to realize it is. Nature designs people to head for the high-energy foods when their body is in a stress response. Then, of course, throw in that starches tend to be cheap, an unhealthy appreciation of "food as entertainment", and the occasional case of gluttony - and there you have it. :) (at least according to my theory)
I was astonished at the number of Middle Eastern Countries, I just hadn't expected that at all.
Here is where 'wealth is not health' based on this list with the Middle Eastern folks being at the top. You may want to break it down for the US, which state has the most obese. I'm worried where Hawaii will be, because of what im seeing. Good hub again!
Wow LondonGirl I tried to think of some of the countries before hand and I would have guessed that the US would be number one. Great information!
Glad you both enjoyed it!
Great Information. I was suprised the US was fourth, I thought we were at least first in that.
Fat and happy? That phrase comes to mind when I read this hub. Not true, in the USA though. Must say I was surprised we're #4! (thought for sure #2 or #3). :)
Very well reaearched indeed. Impressive
The non-American thing surprised me too! Glad you all found it interesting.
very interesting article. thanks my stumble friend.
Funny, not what I was expecting at all. And my hubby is Panamanian, so that was funny too seeing them right behind us. I don't know, all I know is all of these places are beautiful and I would love to see them, regardless of if I gain a few pounds from visiting!
By the way, what is The Economist?
Thanks for sharing.
These statistics are indeed a surprise London Girl - glad to see Australia is not here although we have our share of super fatties in our midst - although I noticed that there are more overweight people in Queensland than in Melbourne or Sydney - makes me wonder if the heat has something to do with the problem....cheers and thanks for this unexpected information
Glad you found it interesting.
Belief, "The Economist" is a very serious, but exceptionally well-written weekly news magazine, published in the UK.
This is a very interesting hub. I was definately shocked that the UK wasn't on this list.
nice hub, i was surprised to see the UK was only 12th,,
Yup - clearly, we need to eat more pies here in the UK (-:
Hi LG, a very interesting hub. I just had to find out the answers. I see two countries being a number 8? :-) London girl, why do you think it is mostly middle eastern countries?
I found this very interesting, and agree with Teresa -- that weight in the USA is disproportional to wealth. There are very few obese wealthy people. Otherwise, it reminded me of "Fiddler on the Roof,"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBHZFYpQ6nc
I hear what you are saying, but, what reference did you use. 'm almost certain another researcher group will come up with something totally different. I'm recalling a TV(I think it was Discovery - not sure though) program not so ong ago that US, UK, Germany, and some other country is te fattest nation on earth with obesesity of great concern. Good one though..
wow, really shocking statistics!!! I never known that bcz I knew that US was the lead country in obesity! I think one of the reasons is too much wealth and dependency like what is happening in several Middle East countries.
Wow LondonGirl that's quite a surprising hub. Maybe because 'deep frying' just about everything is such a common way for food to be prepared in the middle eastern countries.
great hub regards Zsuzsy
looooool its very surprising for me!!! Maybe I don't know that ! GREAT HUB
I loved the way you presented these statistics and the photos and the details you chose.
Ripple - 2 at 8, then comes 10, because they are joint-8th place. I don't know why the Middle East dominates, it came as a surprise to me.
Christa, the same is true in the UK - lower socio-economic groups are fatter, on the whole.
men are dorks, as in the 1st paragraph, the Economist's stats "The World in 2009".
shamelabboush and Zsuzsy Bee, I was pretty surprised too!
dan and Tom, thank you! Glad you found it interesting.
I thought all our corn syrup in every product would make us number one in the US
Startling! Who would have thought it? Could it be because only the citizens in these countries are taken into account? The Middle East has a large population from all over the world so what you see isn't fat - maybe the locals where most of the women stay indoors and eat a lot are!
In the U.S., high-calorie and junk foods are cheaper than foods that are less fattening. Hence the ratio of wealth to obesity found in oli-rich Middle East countries does not apply here. But I, too, was surprised the U.S. only comes in at #4.
Well done, LG! But yes, you Brits should definitely start loading up on the pies. #12 indeed! ;D
Good job of presenting facts and statistics in an interesting way.
Great joib.
Im surprised totally middle east countries got highest rank.
crazy, is this information for 2009?
Totally surprised.. Was expecting America to rank higher.
interesting, and makes me wonder about diet in the middle east. I know that part of the problem in the USA is just quantity, as well as poor choices.
So Qatar has replaced Australia? Looks like a good competition is going on in this field. ;)
This is an interesting hub with some astonishing results, i swear i would have never expected any of these countries myself. Good analysis and a very well written hub indeed.
Total shocker some of these results. Great work!
32.15% of Americans are obese. There are approx. 307million Americans. This equals almost 100 million lard asses. Quatar has a population of only 1.5 million. At 39.95% obesity, this comes out to around 600,000 lard asses. Percentage-wise Quatar might be the fattest but there are more hambeasts in America than there are in all of the Middle East and probably most other countries combined. Don't let the percentages fool you, they just show the fat to fit ratio, not how many fatties there actually are. Stand proud America, in reality we are still the fattest nation on Earth, clever wording doesn't change the truth. We're still #1 in my books!
Thanks for reading, all! Glad you enjoyed it.
These stats are from 2007 and 2008, depending on the country and how and when they gather information.
Like most everyone else who has commented, I'm surprised by the US's rank. I would guess though that we are moving towards the number one spot.
I think the US gets the press for being fattest because we may be the fattest westernized country. Also, we somewhat do hold the world's attention--like it or not for anybody... The most interesting thing IS the oil connection, hmmm. One other thing I'd say is yes--people in the US are surprisingly fatter than I remember even when I was a kid. It is so strange to go to a college town--Flagstaff here--and see all these students literally obese at 30 to 40 lbs overwieght. I actually did a little impromtu experiment once, counting those who passed me as I people-watched--I'm going to say over 1/2 of those I counted were overweight in this particular shopping center. So weird!
Good information and thank you.
It seems wealth, temperatures and levels of education have a lot to do with obesity.
This situation is very worrying for USA at number 4, more so when you reflect on the huge population of 300 millions and the high level of education in US.
A long time ago, Finland had a big problem of obesity which seems to have been controlled by now.
Nice research. I never would have guessed.
I think it's all come as a suprise, the number of Middle East countries.
Very surprising! I'm shocked.
Its really surprising for me. Not only for me its surprising for everyone. You have done a great job.
I am actually shocked the US is only in 4th. I did see that coutries in which more people biked to work were the fittest. So we all just need to start riding a bike to work.
Nice hub and a BIG thumbs up try my hub too
http://hubpages.com/hub/Green-Tea-a-great-Way-to-L
Camp Dan may be you are right as you will hardly see any fat people around in china those who are fat are the foreigners mainly because they don't drink cold water and GREEN TEA is very commonly used ..... see my hub
Glad you all found it interesing!
Obesity is on the increase in China, too, I believe.
you see heaps of chubby kids now in China thanks to KFC
I dare say the population size depends on who is counting it and why (-:
Interesting stats! who writes publishes "The Economist" ? I assume its well known in business.
I do know that Qatar pays zero taxes, and have a great basketball team. Im thinking employment would be great too.
Corn syrup even in bread nowdays. too .my my what would Grandma say!
What an interesting analysis! I am as surprised as everyone else by the results.
Enjoyed the information and presentation. Shocking statistics! Good hub!
I didnt know so many middle eastern countries were fat. i noticed there are no Asian or south american countries.
nice information, for many junk food,fast food and many people lazy to sport causes this obecity epidemic. for any one please visit my hub. I'll appreciat that.
hmmmm... is the philippines included? lol.... :) pls add me up on your fans list.. god bless!
Interesting and rather unexpected stats if I may say so. I would have thought that the Middle east was not so obese, but I guess with three countries making the list it puts paid to my line of thought.
I, like everyone else, am completely surprised! I learned something new today. I expected Canada to be on that list. Maybe its included in the USA ?:) Thanks for such an informative hub.
A very interesting hub. What a surprise too. I wonder what city has the fattest people in the world?
That is absolutely astounding, I would never have expected that. I guess perhaps the clothing disguises it. I live in the US and I can tell you in my part of the country at least, seeing people who are significantly overweight is the norm, not the exception. I don't think people here even have a sense of what ideal body weight is...there is no memory of it.
Canada and the Philippines do have stats, but don't make the grade, I'm afraid.
Can't help with the fattest cities, though, I don't know!
Mulberry, I think our perception of normal weight has shifted, and got larger, for sure.
Hi LG Well hubby and I both have our birthdays on the same day (May13) and we have just returned from 'Red Lobster" and as the name suggest yummy seafood ,delectable in fact !!and we dipped most of our dinner in butter ,so I confess we have may have just nudged the USA up a place or two in the rankings (shhhh)...lol......
I shouldn't think a meal or two makes that much difference, hope you enjoyed your birthday dinner!
This is extremely interesting, and like most people, i would never have expected America to be 4th- I was thinking more like 1st! And I'm even more surprised that the UK wasn't even in the top 10- probably about 50% of the people I know are obese!
Great hub:-)
Hm, very interesting. I guess when you are sitting on a hefty oil reserve, you get fat and lazy.
Depressing stuff. In the west especially we tendto over indulgence. I blame our diets which are high in refined carbs.
I felt sure Australia would get a mention!
There does seem to be a curious link between oil and obesity - maybe that's why Australia escapes!
Fascinating. One of my friends from India came to America for the first time. The first impression about America is that everyone is overweight.
This is a really great top ten list, very surprised to see the US as only #4, and even more surprised to see so many Middle Eastern countries dominating the list. No surprise that Africa was not represented. Anyone can post their own list to our site http://www.toptentopten.com/. The coolest feature is you can let other people vote on the rankings of your list.
This was really interesting! Like everyone else, I was really surprised to see that the US was not at the top of the list. I think different parts of the country are definitely heavier than others and from my own observations, it is not those with high incomes- but the opposite.
I think we've all been surprised by the top few not including more western countries! In the UK, lower income groups are fatter, too.
That's a surprising list. I was certain we were #1 here in the states and shocked to learn what other countries made the list.
This is shocking! I always always thought that Americans were disgustingly the fattest. I wonder why the Middle East takes the cake (no pun intended). Any thoughts?
Very surprising list. I would have expected all of the top ten to have been part of Western Civilization with their "poor" people 100 pounds overweight. I really like the way you incorporated interesting information about the countries involved. Nice touch, that. Like everybody else, seeing these Middle Eastern countries at the top is astounding. Excellent Hub. Thanks!
And to boot—we've found Carmen Sandiego!
ya know i m surprised,i live in saudia and i have hardly found very fat people,saudia women r really slim and so r man.I my self is from Pakistan and quite fat but of course my origin is not saudia.i again surprised with kuwait/behrain and qatar result....i wisg these places had more fat people,so i could have better market for XL sizes..hehehehe
Glad you found it interesting - like many people, I was surprised!
Sorry I can't help nonz - perhaps try online for clothes?
I know that in asia, if you are indeed overweight, you're immediately associated with being wealthy. Anyone there that has bulk can afford to stuff their face apparently and on the flip side, obesity is also viewed as beautiful, especially people with rotund figures. I know, it's nuts. In either case, great article! I could almost hear your voice, as if you were doing a BBC exclusive! Great job.
I think moderation is great - neither huge nor skinny is best! Glad you enjoyed it, thanks very much.
I also read that one in five Americans aged 18-34 is obese! Yes, I have noticed the spread widening on Americans as we sidle up to yet our next buffet or super-sized fast food meal.
Thanks for sharing this.
Here's my take on this topic :)http://hubpages.com/hub/Speaking-of-hogs
It also encourages people to change their view of "normal" weight, I think.
I have to disagree ! I have been to Saudi and Oman and found that the people there are perhaps the skinniest ! lol
The Uk on the other hand is packed full of chubby overweight (I just gave birth excuses !! )
It's what the figures say (-:
informative hub.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
I'm Albanian and trust me, we may be many things but fat is not one of them. Those stats you have probably apply to the politicians, as they are the only ones who've been getting fat. Sorry to disappoint you but England remains the fattest country I've seen in Europe
Very well written hub .....
very much informative ......
Thank you very much for your great hub, for good advice, good wishes and support. Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us.
Great Hub! Here's one for good measure: http://hubpages.com/hub/wardrobe
all wrong.. the Americans are number one:
Interesting list. I too would have expected America to be up there, along with the UK and possibly Australia. Makes us feel better anyway!
cool hub.
i am the fat person of asia.
I enjoyed this immensely, however I would have thought that the U.S. would have been number one. Glad to know we're not. Very good hub.
my country Pakistan is having very fat people because people eat mostly meat.
my best friend is the 5th fat person in Asia.
I am obese and I live in California (US). I know my diet has a lot to do with my obesity problem. It's mainly processed foods. I have recently adopted a healthier lifestyle and the weight is starting to come off. I know most Americans eat processed foods....I don't know what the issue is with the Middle Eastern countries.
Arab has many fat people.
i also want to be fat but losing my weight slowly.
Obesity epidemic : the ten countries with the fattest people in the News
- First lady calls for united effort to fight childhood obesityCNN5 hours ago
Michelle Obama says she's calling for the country to fight childhood obesity not just as the nation's first lady, but also as a mother.
- Michelle Obama aims to end child obesity in a generationUSA Today6 hours ago
Today the first lady launches Let's Move, a campaign to help parents deal with the national health crisis of childhood obesity.
- Fact Check: The cost of obesityCNN7 hours ago
The White House on Tuesday unveiled its campaign to fight childhood obesity. First lady Michelle Obama is spearheading the effort.
- White House Launches 'Let's Move' Campaign to Fight Childhood ObesityABC News5 hours ago
First lady Michelle Obama launches "Let's Move" campaign to combat childhood obesity. Michelle Obama - Obesity - United States - White House - Health
- Michelle Obama says 'Let's Move' on obesity in American kidsThe Christian Science Monitor8 hours ago
Michelle Obama introduced the 'Let's Move' campaign to fight childhood obesity. It encourages more physical activity for kids, healthier meals in schools, and prominent food labeling.
Teresa McGurk says:
10 months ago
This is indeed surprising. What gets me about the US is that weight is disproportional to wealth.