Rising obesity could cost Uzbekistan $21.6 billion by 2060, experts warn.
Uzbekistan has the highest share of overweight adults in Central Asia and now ranks first among CIS countries on the indicator..
Experts caution that the increasing rates of obesity in Uzbekistan could lead to an economic burden of $21.6 billion by the year 2060. The nation currently has the highest percentage of overweight adults in Central Asia and ranks first among CIS countries in this regard.
The Sanitary-Epidemiological Committee reports that over half of Uzbekistan's adult population is classified as overweight. Approximately 20% of individuals aged 18 to 64 are considered clinically obese, with the average body mass index (BMI) reaching 26.5 kg/m², the highest in Central Asia.
Globally, nearly half of the population is overweight.
Recent statistics from the Our World in Data platform, utilizing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), reveal that 45% of people worldwide are overweight.
Among the 199 countries and territories analyzed, the highest rates of overweight individuals were found in Pacific island nations, where 90-91% of the population is affected, with Samoa leading the global statistics.
This issue is also prevalent in developed nations, with 71% of the population in the United States, 70% in the United Arab Emirates, and 62% in the United Kingdom being classified as overweight.
Japan stands out as an exception, with only 24% of its population being overweight. Health experts attribute this to the country's dietary practices, active lifestyle, and the common habit of eating until approximately 80% full.
In Uzbekistan, 64% of the population is overweight, placing the country 59th in the world and first in Central Asia.
Turkmenistan and Tajikistan each report a prevalence of 58%, ranking 88th and 89th globally, respectively. Kazakhstan, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan each have a rate of 56%, while Belarus has a prevalence of 55%.
Over the last 44 years, the rate of overweight individuals has risen in all Central Asian nations, with Uzbekistan experiencing the most significant increase. The percentage has surged from 28% in 1980 to 64% today, largely due to unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, and rapid urbanization.
Key risk factors include high salt intake and poor dietary choices.
Health professionals highlight excessive salt consumption as a major factor contributing to obesity and related health issues in Uzbekistan. The average daily salt intake is 14.9 grams, nearly three times the WHO's recommended limit of 5 grams.
Dietary habits are also problematic, with about one-third of the population not consuming sufficient fruits and vegetables, and 46% of citizens exhibiting high cholesterol levels. These issues, combined with low physical activity and high-calorie diets, are driving the increase in obesity rates.
The World Obesity Atlas estimates that nearly 3 million children and adolescents in Uzbekistan are overweight. The report further indicates that over 40% of non-pregnant women aged 15 to 49 are obese.
The rising rates of excess weight are linked to an increase in hypertension and type 2 diabetes throughout the country.
Experts warn that if these trends persist, the economic impact of obesity could reach $21.6 billion by 2060, which would represent about 4.7% of Uzbekistan's gross domestic product.