Nearly Two-Thirds of Adults in Uzbekistan Are Overweight or Obese
- August 13, 2026
- Posted bySadokat Jalolova
Nearly two-thirds of adults in Uzbekistan are overweight or obese. According to the latest World Health Organization data, the figure reached 64% in 2024, one of the highest rates among former Soviet republics
The WHO Global Health Observatory data cover adults aged 18 and older with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher. Thefigures are age-standardized to allow comparisons between countries
Among former Soviet republics, only Georgia has a higher rate, at 67%. The figure is 63% in Azerbaijan, 61% in Moldova, 59% in Latround 56% in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Armenia, Ukraine, and Estonia. It stands at 55% in Belarus and 54% in Lithuania
Uzbekistan is also well above the global average.According to WHO, 43% of adults worldwide were overweight in 2022. This figure includes adults with <a href="https://healthylife7.com/bmi-obesity-and-the-problem-with-how-we-talk-about-weight/” title=”BMI, obesity and the problem with how we talk about weight”>obesity. WHO defines overweight among adults as a BMI of 25 or higher, while obesity begins at a BMI of 30
WHO classifies obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease rather than simply a consequence of lifestyle. Body weight is influenced by diet, physical activity, genetics, and neurobiology. Access to healthy food also plays a role, as do market forces and the surrounding environment. A high BMI increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes and is also linked to several types of cancer
Several years ago, Mavludakhon Hamzayevna Adhamjonova, a member of the Legislative Chamber, cited theresults of a national study that found 10.7 million people in the country did not follow a healthy lifestyle. Among those surveyed, 38% had high blood pressure and 8.4% had elevated blood sugar. A further 26% did not get enough physical activity
Rising levels of overweight and obesity also carry an economic cost. In 2023, Uzbekistan’s Center for Economic Research and Reforms, citing estimates by the World Obesity Federation,reported that the annual economic impact of overweight and obesity in Uzbekistan could reach $21.6 billion by 2060. That would amount to about $490 per person and 4.7% of projected GDP
