Most Obese Countries in the World

Here’s a list of countries with high obesity rates, based on available data. Note that obesity rates can change due to various factors, including public health initiatives and changes in societal norms regarding diet and physical activity.

1. Nauru

A small island nation in the Pacific with the highest obesity rate globally.
Diet transition from fish and vegetables to imported, processed foods is a major contributing factor.
Limited land for agriculture and reliance on imported food exacerbate obesity issues.

2. Cook Islands

Another Pacific Island country with a very high obesity rate.
Traditional diets have been replaced by high-calorie, processed foods.
Economic prosperity has led to increased food importation and consumption, impacting health.

3. Palau

Palau faces similar challenges as other Pacific Island nations, with obesity rates among the world’s highest.
The shift towards Western dietary habits and away from traditional diets contributes to obesity.
Economic changes and urbanization have led to more sedentary lifestyles.

4. Marshall Islands

High obesity rates are attributed to a shift from traditional diets to processed foods.
Economic dependency on food imports and a decline in physical activity are significant factors.
Efforts to reintroduce local, healthier food options are underway to combat obesity.

5. Tuvalu

Tuvalu struggles with high obesity rates due to dietary changes and reduced physical activity.
Imported processed foods have largely replaced the traditional diet based on fish and coconuts.
The government is working to promote healthier lifestyles and diets.

6. Niue

Niue, a small Pacific Island, has one of the highest obesity rates, largely due to diet and lifestyle changes.
A significant shift towards processed food and away from traditional agricultural practices.
Health initiatives are focused on promoting physical activity and traditional diets.

7. Tonga

Tonga’s obesity rate is among the highest, driven by a shift to energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods.
Traditional agricultural practices have declined, replaced by the importation of processed foods.
Public health campaigns are promoting traditional diets and physical activity.

8. Samoa

Samoa has faced a rising obesity rate due to dietary changes and a more sedentary lifestyle.
Economic development has led to increased consumption of imported, processed foods.
Efforts are being made to encourage physical activity and traditional food consumption.

9. Kiribati

Kiribati experiences high obesity rates due to similar factors affecting other Pacific Island nations.
There’s a heavy reliance on imported foods high in fat and sugar.
National health strategies are focusing on dietary improvements and physical activity promotion.

10. Kuwait

Kuwait has one of the highest obesity rates in the Middle East.
Rapid economic growth has led to increased consumption of fast food and sedentary lifestyles.
The government is implementing health awareness programs and encouraging physical activity.

List of Top 10 Countries with Most Obese People

Nauru is a small Pacific island nation that is considered the most obese country in the world. It is also known as the fattest country because of its diet and lack of exercise. In 2024; The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 94.5% population of Nauru is overweight or affected by the obese and the current obesity rate of Nauru is 71.7%.

In this article, we are going to discuss the top 10 countries with most obese people.