🇸🇾 Syria 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Syria
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Syria Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Syria, 27.8% of adults are obese and 62% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Syria uses the WHO BMI standard. The وزارة الصحة السورية publishes these statistics nationally. Syria's obesity data reflects pre-conflict conditions (2010). Conflict since 2011 has created dual nutritional burdens: food insecurity alongside persistent obesity among higher-income urban populations.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Syria & 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 Syria? ▾
27.8% of adults in Syria are classified as obese and 62% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Syria's obesity data reflects pre-conflict conditions (2010). Conflict since 2011 has created dual nutritional burdens: food insecurity alongside persistent obesity among higher-income urban populations. The وزارة الصحة السورية monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Syria use? ▾
Syria follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The وزارة الصحة السورية 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 Syria? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Syria 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 السورية recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.