🇨🇷 Costa Rica 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Costa Rica
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Costa Rica Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Costa Rica, 25.7% of adults are obese and 60.5% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Costa Rica uses the WHO BMI standard. The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) publishes these statistics nationally. Costa Rica ranks among the most obese Central American countries. The CCSS reports that cardiovascular disease — closely linked to obesity — is the leading cause of death.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Costa Rica & 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 Costa Rica? ▾
25.7% of adults in Costa Rica are classified as obese and 60.5% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Costa Rica ranks among the most obese Central American countries. The CCSS reports that cardiovascular disease — closely linked to obesity — is the leading cause of death. The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Costa Rica use? ▾
Costa Rica follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) 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 Costa Rica? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Costa Rica 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 Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.