🇧🇴 Bolivia 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Bolivia
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Bolivia Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Bolivia, 20.2% of adults are obese and 52% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Bolivia uses the WHO BMI standard. The Ministerio de Salud de Bolivia publishes these statistics nationally. Bolivia has lower obesity rates than most South American nations, partly due to the high-altitude geography and traditional Andean diet among indigenous populations.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Bolivia & 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 Bolivia? ▾
20.2% of adults in Bolivia are classified as obese and 52% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Bolivia has lower obesity rates than most South American nations, partly due to the high-altitude geography and traditional Andean diet among indigenous populations. The Ministerio de Salud de Bolivia monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Bolivia use? ▾
Bolivia follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The Ministerio de Salud de Bolivia 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 Bolivia? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Bolivia 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 Ministerio de Salud de Bolivia recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.