🇦🇿 Azerbaijan 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Azerbaijan
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Azerbaijan Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Azerbaijan, 19.9% of adults are obese and 53% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Azerbaijan uses the WHO BMI standard. The Ministry of Health Azerbaijan publishes these statistics nationally. Azerbaijan has the lowest obesity rate among the three South Caucasus countries. Oil-driven economic growth since 2000 has led to lifestyle changes increasing obesity in Baku compared to rural regions.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Azerbaijan & International
| Category / Normal | 🌍 WHO | 🌏 Asia-Pacific | 🇯🇵 Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 | < 18.5 | < 18.5 |
| Normal weight | 18.5 – 24.9 | 18.5 – 22.9 | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 | 23 – 27.4 | ≥ 25 (Obese) |
| Obese | ≥ 30 | ≥ 27.5 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the obesity rate in Azerbaijan? ▾
19.9% of adults in Azerbaijan are classified as obese and 53% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Azerbaijan has the lowest obesity rate among the three South Caucasus countries. Oil-driven economic growth since 2000 has led to lifestyle changes increasing obesity in Baku compared to rural regions. The Ministry of Health Azerbaijan monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Azerbaijan use? ▾
Azerbaijan follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The Ministry of Health Azerbaijan applies these thresholds in national clinical guidelines and public health campaigns. Unlike parts of Asia which use lower cut-offs, the standard WHO thresholds reflect the original research on European and North American populations.
Is BMI an accurate measure for people in Azerbaijan? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Azerbaijan but it has well-known limitations: it does not distinguish between muscle and fat, and cannot capture fat distribution — abdominal (visceral) fat carries higher cardiovascular risk than fat stored in limbs. The Ministry of Health Azerbaijan recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.