Obesity is a widespread problem in the United States. When thinking about countries with thin residents, it might seem like they have healthy populations.
However, except for two countries on the list, a slim figure doesn’t always mean healthiness. WorldAtlas analyzed global obesity rates to identify the ten thinnest countries.
This ranking, based on low obesity numbers, might imply that obesity equates to health. Conversely, high obesity rates can sometimes indicate a secure food supply.
However, an abundance of food doesn’t always result in a healthy population, especially in developing countries.
1. Vietnam
Vietnam ranks as the leanest country. It has a population of about 100 million, with only 2.1% classified as obese.
While poverty rates have been high, they significantly dropped from 16.8% to 5% between 2010 and 2020.
The low obesity rate is partly attributed to the Vietnamese diet. This diet is described as rich in waist-friendly foods such as vegetables, fish, and broth-based soups.
2. Bangladesh
Bangladesh has a low obesity rate of just 3.6%. Despite this, malnutrition is a significant issue in the country.
Poor nutrition during childhood is responsible for approximately 36% of stunted growth among children under five years old.
Furthermore, approximately one in five adult women in Bangladesh are underweight, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 18.5.
3. Timor-Leste (East Timor)
Timor-Leste has an obesity rate only slightly higher than Bangladesh’s, at 3.8%. The source indicates that the food supply situation in Timor-Leste is nearly as severe as in Bangladesh.
Known as East Timor in English, this country has one of the lowest gross domestic products (GDP) per capita globally.
A struggling economy and a rocky political system have led to widespread hunger among the population.
4. India
India, despite being known for its delicious cuisine, has an obesity rate of only 3.9%. While this is low, millions of Indians are underweight. Approximately 16.3% of the population suffers from undernourishment.
The challenge in India is not primarily food production; instead, the country struggles more with food distribution. Around 70% of households in rural areas rely on farming for survival.
5. Cambodia
Tied with India for fourth and fifth place, Cambodia also reports a 3.9% obesity rate. Undernutrition is a significant problem here, stemming from insufficient food production.
Widespread deficiencies exist for vital nutrients like zinc, B vitamins, and iodine. This is because much of the local diet lacks these essential nutrients.
6. Nepal
Nepal, a landlocked country, has an obesity rate of 4.1%. According to Action Against Hunger, about one-third of the Nepalese population lives below the poverty line.
Challenges such as low agricultural production and ongoing political conflicts contribute to the difficulties in growing food within the country.
7. Japan
Japan is one of the two developed nations featured on this list. Its low obesity rate of 4.3% is primarily attributed to the Japanese diet, rather than poverty.
The diet involves eating small portions and is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and fermented foods. This dietary pattern is seen as the main reason for the slim figures in Japan.
8. Ethiopia
Ethiopia has a low obesity rate, with only 4.5% of its population being obese. However, a significant portion of the population, 15.8%, is underweight.
Drought is a major factor contributing to food scarcity in Ethiopia. Climate change is accelerating this already serious problem, further exacerbating the challenges of obtaining enough food for the population.
9. South Korea
South Korea is the second developed nation on this list. Its obesity rate is 4.7%, slightly higher than Japan’s, but still considered low compared to most developing countries.
The relatively slim physique of Koreans is credited to their diet. Their diet is described as a whole food, low-fat diet.
10. Eritrea
Despite an obesity rate of 5%, Eritreans face significant hunger. Over 66% of the population lives below the poverty line.
War, drought, and complex political situations have severely impacted the health of Eritreans. These political challenges can even make it difficult for international aid organizations to deliver food to those in need.
Alicia Richards