🇳🇮 Nicaragua 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Nicaragua
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Nicaragua Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Nicaragua, 23.2% of adults are obese and 57.6% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Nicaragua uses the WHO BMI standard. The Ministerio de Salud de Nicaragua (MINSA) publishes these statistics nationally. Nicaragua has seen steady increases in adult obesity since 2000, with urban Managua recording rates nearly double those of rural Pacific and Atlantic Coast regions.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Nicaragua & 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 Nicaragua? ▾
23.2% of adults in Nicaragua are classified as obese and 57.6% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Nicaragua has seen steady increases in adult obesity since 2000, with urban Managua recording rates nearly double those of rural Pacific and Atlantic Coast regions. The Ministerio de Salud de Nicaragua (MINSA) monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Nicaragua use? ▾
Nicaragua follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The Ministerio de Salud de Nicaragua (MINSA) 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 Nicaragua? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Nicaragua 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 Ministerio de Salud de Nicaragua (MINSA) recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.