🇲🇿 Mozambique 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Mozambique
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Mozambique Health Statistics
QUICK ANSWER
WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Mozambique, 7.2% of adults are obese and 26% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Mozambique uses the WHO BMI standard. The Ministério da Saúde de Moçambique (MISAU) publishes these statistics nationally. Mozambique has a low overall obesity rate, but rapid urban growth in Maputo has driven rising rates. Women in urban Mozambique have obesity rates significantly higher than men and rural populations.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Mozambique & 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 Mozambique? ▾
7.2% of adults in Mozambique are classified as obese and 26% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Mozambique has a low overall obesity rate, but rapid urban growth in Maputo has driven rising rates. Women in urban Mozambique have obesity rates significantly higher than men and rural populations. The Ministério da Saúde de Moçambique (MISAU) monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Mozambique use? ▾
Mozambique follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The Ministério da Saúde de Moçambique (MISAU) 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 Mozambique? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Mozambique 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 Ministério da Saúde de Moçambique (MISAU) recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.