🇮🇶 Iraq 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Iraq
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Iraq Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Iraq, 30.4% of adults are obese and 68% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Iraq uses the WHO BMI standard. The وزارة الصحة العراقية publishes these statistics nationally. Iraq has one of the highest obesity rates in the Arab world. Rapid urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, and adoption of high-calorie diets in Baghdad contribute significantly.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Iraq & 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 Iraq? ▾
30.4% of adults in Iraq are classified as obese and 68% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Iraq has one of the highest obesity rates in the Arab world. Rapid urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, and adoption of high-calorie diets in Baghdad contribute significantly. The وزارة الصحة العراقية monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Iraq use? ▾
Iraq follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The وزارة الصحة العراقية 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 Iraq? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Iraq 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 العراقية recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.