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.
Childhood obesity is rising, especially in private-school-going children in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.

BMI Classifications (World Health Organization):

Underweight: BMI < 18.5
Normal weight: BMI 18.5–24.9
Overweight: BMI 25–29.9
Obese: BMI ≥ 30

Causes of Rising Obesity Rate in Pakistan

There are multiple factors contributing to the increasing obesity rate in Pakistan:

Unhealthy Diets: High consumption of fried foods, sugary drinks, and processed snacks.
Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles are common, especially in urban settings.
Urbanization: Increased access to fast food and motorized transport reduces daily movement.
Socioeconomic Changes: Higher income groups often have less physically demanding jobs and higher caloric intake.
Cultural Factors: Food is a central part of social gatherings, and larger body size is sometimes mistakenly associated with wealth or health.

Which Country Has the Highest Obesity Rate?

Globally, Nauru, a small Pacific island nation, has the highest obesity rate, with over 60% of its adult population classified as obese. Among larger countries:

United States has one of the highest obesity rates in the developed world, with over 42% of adults classified as obese.
Other high-obesity countries include Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Qatar.

While Pakistan’s obesity rate is not as high as these nations, the speed at which it is rising is alarming and demands immediate attention.

What Is the Underweight Rate in Pakistan?

While obesity is rising, underweight and malnutrition remain significant concerns in certain regions of Pakistan, particularly among children and rural communities.

Current Data:

According to UNICEF and NDHS 2022, 24% of children under five are underweight.
38% of children are stunted (low height for age), indicating chronic malnutrition.
Adult underweight rates have declined but still affect about 12-15% of the population, especially women in rural areas.

This dual burden of malnutrition and obesity — known as the "double burden of disease" — is unique to countries like Pakistan, where both extremes of weight are public health challenges.

What Is the Diabetes Rate in Pakistan?

The diabetes rate in Pakistan has surged in parallel with obesity rates. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF):

1 in 4 adults in Pakistan now lives with diabetes.
This places Pakistan at rank 3 globally in terms of total number of diabetic patients, behind China and India.
The prevalence is about 26.7% among adults (20–79 years), according to the IDF Diabetes Atlas 2023.

This alarming figure is directly tied to rising obesity, poor diet, and low physical activity.

Health Risks Linked to Obesity in Pakistan

Obesity increases the risk of several chronic diseases, including:

Type 2 Diabetes
Hypertension
Cardiovascular Disease
Joint and Bone Disorders
Certain types of cancers

With limited access to quality healthcare in many regions of Pakistan, the health burden of obesity can be severe and long-lasting.

Strategies to Combat Obesity in Pakistan

Combating obesity requires a multi-level approach that includes:

1. Public Awareness Campaigns

Educational programs about healthy eating and exercise should be promoted in schools, workplaces, and communities.

2. Policy Interventions

Taxes on sugary beverages, clearer food labeling, and regulation of junk food advertisements can help influence better choices.

3. School-Based Programs

Mandatory physical education, healthier cafeteria meals, and nutrition education can prevent childhood obesity.

4. Healthcare Screening

Routine BMI checks and counseling should be included in primary healthcare services.

5. Community Involvement

Local fitness clubs, community gardens, and walking groups can encourage active lifestyles.

Conclusion

The obesity rate in Pakistan is growing rapidly and presents a serious threat to public health. With nearly 40% of adults either overweight or obese, and related issues like diabetes affecting millions, urgent action is needed at all levels — from individual choices to government policies.

By promoting awareness, encouraging physical activity, and making healthier food choices accessible and affordable, Pakistan can reverse this dangerous trend and move toward a healthier future.

FAQs

Q: What percentage of Pakistanis are obese?
A: About 8-10% are obese, and nearly 29% are overweight, making a combined 40% of the population at risk.

Q: Which country has the highest obesity rate?
A: Nauru has the highest obesity rate globally, with over 60% of adults obese.

Q: What is the underweight rate in Pakistan?
A: About 12–15% of adults and 24% of children under five are underweight.

Q: What is the diabetes rate in Pakistan?
A: Over 26% of adults in Pakistan are living with diabetes, ranking the country 3rd highest globally.

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