🇲🇹 Malta 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Malta
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Malta Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Malta, 28.9% of adults are obese and 63.2% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Malta uses the WHO BMI standard. The Department of Health Malta publishes these statistics nationally. Malta has the highest adult obesity rate in the EU (28.9%), driven by a sedentary lifestyle, high-fat traditional diet, and minimal walking culture on the island.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Malta & 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 Malta? ▾
28.9% of adults in Malta are classified as obese and 63.2% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Malta has the highest adult obesity rate in the EU (28.9%), driven by a sedentary lifestyle, high-fat traditional diet, and minimal walking culture on the island. The Department of Health Malta monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Malta use? ▾
Malta follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The Department of Health Malta 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 Malta? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Malta 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 Department of Health Malta recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.