🇧🇭 Bahrain 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Bahrain
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Bahrain Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Bahrain, 29.8% of adults are obese and 65% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Bahrain uses the WHO BMI standard. The وزارة الصحة البحرينية publishes these statistics nationally. Bahrain has one of the highest obesity rates in the Gulf. The Supreme Council of Health monitors BMI alongside metabolic syndrome rates, which are exceptionally high in the Bahraini population.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Bahrain & 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 Bahrain? ▾
29.8% of adults in Bahrain are classified as obese and 65% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Bahrain has one of the highest obesity rates in the Gulf. The Supreme Council of Health monitors BMI alongside metabolic syndrome rates, which are exceptionally high in the Bahraini population. The وزارة الصحة البحرينية monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Bahrain use? ▾
Bahrain follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The وزارة الصحة البحرينية 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 Bahrain? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Bahrain 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 وزارة الصحة البحرينية recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.