🇰🇿 Kazakhstan 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Kazakhstan
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Kazakhstan Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Kazakhstan, 21.2% of adults are obese and 54.5% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Kazakhstan uses the WHO BMI standard. The Ministry of Healthcare Republic of Kazakhstan publishes these statistics nationally. Kazakhstan has seen steady obesity increases since 1990, driven by urbanisation, reduced physical activity, and the adoption of high-calorie Western diets. Almaty and Nur-Sultan have higher rates than rural steppe regions.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Kazakhstan & 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 Kazakhstan? ▾
21.2% of adults in Kazakhstan are classified as obese and 54.5% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Kazakhstan has seen steady obesity increases since 1990, driven by urbanisation, reduced physical activity, and the adoption of high-calorie Western diets. Almaty and Nur-Sultan have higher rates than rural steppe regions. The Ministry of Healthcare Republic of Kazakhstan monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Kazakhstan use? ▾
Kazakhstan follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The Ministry of Healthcare Republic of Kazakhstan 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 Kazakhstan? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Kazakhstan 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 Healthcare Republic of Kazakhstan recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.