🇺🇬 Uganda 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Uganda
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Uganda Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Uganda, 5.3% of adults are obese and 20% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Uganda uses the WHO BMI standard. The Ministry of Health Uganda publishes these statistics nationally. Uganda has one of the lower obesity rates in East Africa. The Ugandan DHS shows obesity concentrated in urban Kampala and among wealthier demographics, while rural communities have very low rates.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Uganda & 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 Uganda? ▾
5.3% of adults in Uganda are classified as obese and 20% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Uganda has one of the lower obesity rates in East Africa. The Ugandan DHS shows obesity concentrated in urban Kampala and among wealthier demographics, while rural communities have very low rates. The Ministry of Health Uganda monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Uganda use? ▾
Uganda follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The Ministry of Health Uganda 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 Uganda? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Uganda 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 Ministry of Health Uganda recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.