🇷🇼 Rwanda 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Rwanda
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Rwanda Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Rwanda, 5.8% of adults are obese and 18.7% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Rwanda uses the WHO BMI standard. The Rwanda Biomedical Centre / Ministry of Health Rwanda publishes these statistics nationally. Rwanda has one of the lowest obesity rates in Africa (5.8%), reflecting high physical activity, a traditional plant-based diet, and strong national public health programs under the Ministry of Health.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Rwanda & 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 Rwanda? ▾
5.8% of adults in Rwanda are classified as obese and 18.7% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Rwanda has one of the lowest obesity rates in Africa (5.8%), reflecting high physical activity, a traditional plant-based diet, and strong national public health programs under the Ministry of Health. The Rwanda Biomedical Centre / Ministry of Health Rwanda monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Rwanda use? ▾
Rwanda follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The Rwanda Biomedical Centre / Ministry of Health Rwanda 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 Rwanda? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Rwanda 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 Rwanda Biomedical Centre / Ministry of Health Rwanda recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.