🇲🇰 North Macedonia 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — North Macedonia
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · North Macedonia Health Statistics
QUICK ANSWER
WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In North Macedonia, 22.4% of adults are obese and 58.5% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). North Macedonia uses the WHO BMI standard. The Institut za javno zdravje na Republika Severna Makedonija publishes these statistics nationally. North Macedonia has one of the higher obesity rates in the Western Balkans, with the Institute for Public Health reporting increasing trends since 2010.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — North Macedonia & 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 North Macedonia? ▾
22.4% of adults in North Macedonia are classified as obese and 58.5% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. North Macedonia has one of the higher obesity rates in the Western Balkans, with the Institute for Public Health reporting increasing trends since 2010. The Institut za javno zdravje na Republika Severna Makedonija monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does North Macedonia use? ▾
North Macedonia follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The Institut za javno zdravje na Republika Severna Makedonija 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 North Macedonia? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in North Macedonia 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 Institut za javno zdravje na Republika Severna Makedonija recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.