Obesity Rate in Pakistan: A Growing Health Crisis

The obesity rate in Pakistan is rapidly increasing, making it one of the most pressing public health issues facing the country. While malnutrition and underweight conditions were traditionally more common, lifestyle changes, urbanization, and poor dietary habits have now led to a dramatic rise in obesity, especially among young adults and children. In this article, we explore current obesity statistics in Pakistan, compare them globally, and also touch upon related health indicators like diabetes and undernutrition. What Percentage of Pakistanis Are Obese? According to recent studies and the Pakistan Health and Demographic Survey (PHDS), more than 29% of adults in Pakistan are overweight , and about 8% to 10% are classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30). This means that nearly 40% of the adult population is either overweight or obese. Key Statistics: Urban areas show higher obesity rates than rural regions. Women tend to have slightly higher obesity levels compared to men. ...