🇼🇸 Samoa 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Samoa
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Samoa Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Samoa, 47.3% of adults are obese and 80.4% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Samoa uses the WHO BMI standard. The Ministry of Health Samoa publishes these statistics nationally. Samoa has one of the world's highest adult obesity rates (47.3%). Pacific Islander genetics, dietary transitions away from traditional foods, and reduced physical activity all contribute.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Samoa & 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 Samoa? ▾
47.3% of adults in Samoa are classified as obese and 80.4% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Samoa has one of the world's highest adult obesity rates (47.3%). Pacific Islander genetics, dietary transitions away from traditional foods, and reduced physical activity all contribute. The Ministry of Health Samoa monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Samoa use? ▾
Samoa follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The Ministry of Health Samoa 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 Samoa? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Samoa 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 Samoa recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.