🇯🇲 Jamaica 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Jamaica
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Jamaica Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Jamaica, 24.7% of adults are obese and 57.4% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Jamaica uses the WHO BMI standard. The Ministry of Health and Wellness Jamaica publishes these statistics nationally. Jamaica has one of the highest obesity rates in the Caribbean. Women in Jamaica are significantly more likely to be obese than men (30.2% vs 19.1%).
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Jamaica & 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 Jamaica? ▾
24.7% of adults in Jamaica are classified as obese and 57.4% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Jamaica has one of the highest obesity rates in the Caribbean. Women in Jamaica are significantly more likely to be obese than men (30.2% vs 19.1%). The Ministry of Health and Wellness Jamaica monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Jamaica use? ▾
Jamaica follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The Ministry of Health and Wellness Jamaica 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 Jamaica? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Jamaica 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 and Wellness Jamaica recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.