🇱🇻 Latvia 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Latvia
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Latvia Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Latvia, 23.6% of adults are obese and 58.1% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Latvia uses the WHO BMI standard. The Slimību profilakses un kontroles centrs (SPKC) publishes these statistics nationally. Latvia has one of the higher obesity rates among Baltic states, and among the highest cardiovascular disease mortality rates in the EU — closely linked to high overweight prevalence.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Latvia & 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 Latvia? ▾
23.6% of adults in Latvia are classified as obese and 58.1% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Latvia has one of the higher obesity rates among Baltic states, and among the highest cardiovascular disease mortality rates in the EU — closely linked to high overweight prevalence. The Slimību profilakses un kontroles centrs (SPKC) monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Latvia use? ▾
Latvia follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The Slimību profilakses un kontroles centrs (SPKC) 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 Latvia? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Latvia 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 Slimību profilakses un kontroles centrs (SPKC) recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.