🇵🇦 Panamá 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Panamá
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Panamá Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Panamá, 23% of adults are obese and 57.8% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Panamá uses the WHO BMI standard. The Ministerio de Salud de Panamá (MINSA) publishes these statistics nationally. Panama has the highest per-capita fast-food consumption in Central America, contributing to rising obesity rates in Panama City and other urban centres.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Panamá & 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 Panamá? ▾
23% of adults in Panamá are classified as obese and 57.8% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Panama has the highest per-capita fast-food consumption in Central America, contributing to rising obesity rates in Panama City and other urban centres. The Ministerio de Salud de Panamá (MINSA) monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Panamá use? ▾
Panamá follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The Ministerio de Salud de Panamá (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 Panamá? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Panamá 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 Panamá (MINSA) recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.