🇸🇩 Sudan 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Sudan
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Sudan Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Sudan, 9.2% of adults are obese and 33% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Sudan uses the WHO BMI standard. The Federal Ministry of Health Sudan publishes these statistics nationally. Sudan has lower obesity rates than North Africa neighbours due to more active rural lifestyles and traditional diet. Urban Khartoum shows rates approximately triple those of rural South Sudan.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Sudan & 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 Sudan? ▾
9.2% of adults in Sudan are classified as obese and 33% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Sudan has lower obesity rates than North Africa neighbours due to more active rural lifestyles and traditional diet. Urban Khartoum shows rates approximately triple those of rural South Sudan. The Federal Ministry of Health Sudan monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Sudan use? ▾
Sudan follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The Federal Ministry of Health Sudan 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 Sudan? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Sudan 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 Federal Ministry of Health Sudan recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.