🇵🇸 Palestine 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Palestine
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Palestine Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Palestine, 26.8% of adults are obese and 62.3% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Palestine uses the WHO BMI standard. The وزارة الصحة الفلسطينية publishes these statistics nationally. Palestinian obesity rates reflect both economic constraints and adoption of processed foods. Women in Gaza and the West Bank show significantly higher obesity rates than men.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Palestine & 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 Palestine? ▾
26.8% of adults in Palestine are classified as obese and 62.3% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Palestinian obesity rates reflect both economic constraints and adoption of processed foods. Women in Gaza and the West Bank show significantly higher obesity rates than men. The وزارة الصحة الفلسطينية monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Palestine use? ▾
Palestine follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The وزارة الصحة الفلسطينية 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 Palestine? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Palestine 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 وزارة الصحة الفلسطينية recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.