🇱🇧 Lebanon 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Lebanon
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Lebanon Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Lebanon, 32% of adults are obese and 66.5% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Lebanon uses the WHO BMI standard. The وزارة الصحة العامة اللبنانية publishes these statistics nationally. Lebanon has one of the highest obesity rates in the Middle East. Research from the American University of Beirut shows obesity is significantly higher among women and lower socioeconomic groups.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Lebanon & 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 Lebanon? ▾
32% of adults in Lebanon are classified as obese and 66.5% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Lebanon has one of the highest obesity rates in the Middle East. Research from the American University of Beirut shows obesity is significantly higher among women and lower socioeconomic groups. The وزارة الصحة العامة اللبنانية monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Lebanon use? ▾
Lebanon follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The وزارة الصحة العامة اللبنانية 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 Lebanon? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Lebanon 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 العامة اللبنانية recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.