A Global Look at Obesity in Men (2024)
Obesity is a growing concern worldwide, and for men in particular, the struggle to maintain a healthy weight continues to intensify. According to the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, obesity—defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 30—affects a significant portion of the male population in many countries. The most recent data from 2024 offers a striking visual of where the problem is most pronounced.
🧔♂️ Top 20 Countries with Highest Male Obesity Rates (BMI > 30) – 2024
| Country | Flag | Obesity Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 🇺🇸 | 42.66% |
| Qatar | 🇶🇦 | 42.09% |
| Romania | 🇷🇴 | 41.89% |
| Saudi Arabia | 🇸🇦 | 39.45% |
| Kuwait | 🇰🇼 | 39.22% |
| Hungary | 🇭🇺 | 38.56% |
| Argentina | 🇦🇷 | 37.67% |
| Puerto Rico | 🇵🇷 | 37.65% |
| Croatia | 🇭🇷 | 37.23% |
| Malta | 🇲🇹 | 36.82% |
| Georgia | 🇬🇪 | 36.49% |
| Chile | 🇨🇱 | 36.18% |
| Jordan | 🇯🇴 | 34.71% |
| Iraq | 🇮🇶 | 34.43% |
| Poland | 🇵🇱 | 33.98% |
| New Zealand | 🇳🇿 | 33.80% |
| Mexico | 🇲🇽 | 33.74% |
| Bahrain | 🇧🇭 | 33.73% |
| Uruguay | 🇺🇾 | 33.60% |
| Egypt | 🇪🇬 | 33.50% |
Top 5 Countries with the Highest Male Obesity Rates
- United States – 42.66%
The U.S. continues to lead the world in male obesity. Over 42% of American men have a BMI over 30, reflecting longstanding issues with diet, sedentary lifestyles, and healthcare access disparities. - Qatar – 42.09%
Qatar follows closely, with its rapid economic growth and westernized lifestyle contributing to rising obesity levels. High consumption of fast food and reduced physical activity have become common concerns. - Romania – 41.89%
Surprising to some, Romania ranks third. While not often associated with global obesity trends, shifts in diet and reduced physical labor have led to a notable rise in male obesity rates. - Saudi Arabia – 39.45%
Like Qatar, Saudi Arabia has seen a dramatic lifestyle shift in recent decades. Coupled with extreme temperatures that limit outdoor activity, the country’s obesity rate remains high. - Kuwait – 39.22%
Rounding out the top five, Kuwait mirrors many of the same socioeconomic and cultural factors as its Gulf neighbors. Easy access to calorie-dense foods and limited physical activity are key drivers.
A Broader Perspective
Other notable countries include Argentina (37.67%), Puerto Rico (37.65%), and Croatia (37.23%), showing that obesity is not limited to the richest nations. Eastern Europe, South America, and the Middle East all face mounting health challenges due to rising obesity rates.
Interestingly, some developed nations that prioritize health and wellness, such as New Zealand (33.80%) and Poland (33.98%), still find themselves on this list, proving that even nations with health infrastructure aren’t immune.
What Drives These Trends?
Several global factors contribute to male obesity:
- Urbanization and Sedentary Jobs: As more people move into cities and work office jobs, physical activity levels plummet.
- Unhealthy Diets: Increased availability of processed foods, sugary drinks, and oversized portions are major culprits.
- Economic Development: Ironically, as nations grow wealthier, obesity rates often rise due to changes in consumption patterns.
Final Thoughts
The obesity epidemic in men is more than just a health statistic—it’s a reflection of societal changes, economic trends, and cultural shifts. As the data from 2024 clearly shows, countries across the globe are grappling with this issue, from the U.S. and Middle East to parts of Europe and Latin America.
The challenge ahead lies in crafting effective public health campaigns, encouraging physical activity, promoting balanced diets, and making healthy choices more accessible for all.
