How to Reduce Obesity Rates

Section 1: Top 35 Countries with the Lowest Obesity Not Due to Health Reasons

Data Source: Gallup World Poll, NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC), and World Health Organization Global Health Observatory. Data year: 2022.

Source: NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC), Gallup World Poll (2022).

Rank of the United States and Explanation

The United States does not appear on the list of the Top 35 Countries with the Lowest Obesity Not Due to Health Reasons. As of 2022, the United States has an adult obesity rate of approximately 36.2%, placing it among the highest in the world.

This high rate is attributed primarily to behavioral, environmental, and socioeconomic factors rather than genetic or medical conditions alone. Key contributing factors include widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods high in sugar, fat, and sodium; sedentary lifestyles driven by car-dependent urban design and desk-based occupations; large portion sizes embedded in food culture; aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods; limited access to fresh produce in lower-income communities (food deserts); economic disparities that make calorie-dense processed foods more affordable than fresh alternatives; and insufficient physical activity among both children and adults.

The most recent data available (2023) indicates that the U.S. adult obesity rate has risen slightly to approximately 36.5%, reinforcing the need for systemic policy interventions.

References for Section 1:

NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC): (ncdrisc.org)

Gallup World Poll: (www.gallup.com)

World Health Organization Global Health Observatory: (www.who.int)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – U.S. Obesity Data: (www.cdc.gov)

Section 2: What Other Countries Have Done to Decrease Their Obesity Rate

The 8 Top Rated Countries with the Lowest Obesity Values

Việt Nam (Vietnam)

Việt Nam maintains one of the world's lowest obesity rates through a combination of deeply ingrained cultural food practices, active transportation habits, and targeted government programs.

The Vietnamese diet is traditionally built around rice, fresh vegetables, lean proteins such as fish and tofu, and herb-based broths, with minimal reliance on processed or fast foods.

Large municipal markets provide widespread access to fresh foods and limit dependence on packaged food supply chains.

The government, through the Ministry of Health (MOH) (moh.gov.vn), implemented the National Nutrition Strategy 2011-2020 and its successor plan, which set targets for reducing malnutrition and preventing the rise of obesity, particularly among urban populations. The Ministry of Health promotes traditional diets centered on vegetables, seafood, and rice rather than processed foods.

The Việt Nam Food Administration monitors food safety and labeling standards. School meal programs emphasize balanced nutrition, and physical education is mandatory at all levels of schooling.

The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) (viendinhduong.vn) conducts ongoing population studies and advises on dietary guidelines.

Urban planning in Vietnamese cities continues to favor walking and cycling, and street food culture promotes smaller, vegetable-rich meals. Public parks and exercise spaces in major cities support physical activity across multiple age groups.

Private sector engagement has been limited but growing, with the Việt Nam Food and Foodstuff Association (VINAFOOD) beginning to address reformulation of packaged foods.

বাংলাদেশ (Bangladesh)

Bangladesh has maintained a low obesity rate largely due to economic factors, traditional dietary patterns, and active physical lifestyles among a largely rural population.

School health campaigns emphasize balanced diets and active lifestyles.

The typical Bangladeshi diet centers on rice, lentils (dal), fish, and vegetables, with limited consumption of saturated fats or highly processed foods.

Agricultural development strategies encourage local production of vegetables and fruits to improve dietary quality.

The Bangladesh National Nutrition Council (BNNC) (nnc.gov.bd) coordinates national nutrition policy and monitors the nutritional status of the population. The government's National Nutrition Services program, implemented through the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) (nnc.gov.bd), integrates nutrition counseling into primary health care. (dghs.gov.bd)

Urban areas, particularly Dhaka, are beginning to see rising obesity rates as fast food consumption grows; however, this remains concentrated among higher-income groups.

The Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN) (iphn.gov.bd) provides technical guidance on dietary practices.

Community health workers (known as BRAC health volunteers through BRAC, brac.net) play a significant role in disseminating nutrition education at the grassroots level. Community health workers conduct nutrition education programs in rural and urban communities.

Physical activity remains high due to reliance on walking and cycling for transportation, especially in rural areas.

Ityop'iya (Ethiopia)

Ityop'iya's low obesity rate is primarily associated with food scarcity and poverty, but the government and non-governmental organizations have also instituted genuine public health frameworks that promote healthy eating and physical activity.

The Ityop'iya Public Health Institute (EPHI) (ephi.gov.et) leads research on non-communicable diseases including obesity.

The Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) (moh.gov.et) integrates nutrition into its Health Extension Program, which deploys health extension workers (HEWs) to rural communities to provide nutrition education and monitor child and adult health indicators.

Ityop'iya's traditional diet includes injera (fermented teff flatbread), lentils, chickpeas, and vegetables, with low consumption of animal fats or processed foods.

The government has partnered with UNICEF (www.unicef.org) and the World Food Programme (www.unicef.org) to address both undernutrition and the nascent problem of urban overnutrition. (www.wfp.org)

School feeding programs emphasize nutritional balance.

The government's National Nutrition Program (NNP) provides a multi-sectoral framework for dietary improvement and integrates health education with agricultural development.

Local agriculture programs improve access to nutrient rich foods.

Bharat (India)

Bharat maintains a relatively low national obesity average despite significant regional variation. The government has pursued multiple strategies to manage the double burden of undernutrition and rising obesity.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of Bharat (FSSAI) (fssai.gov.in) regulates food labeling and has launched the 'Eat Right Bharat' campaign to promote healthy diets and reduce consumption of salt, sugar, and saturated fats.

Public awareness campaigns promote traditional diets based on grains legumes and vegetables

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (main.mohfw.gov.in) runs the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS), which includes obesity management.

The National Health Mission (NHM) (nhm.gov.in) integrates nutrition counseling into primary health care. The National Nutrition Mission coordinates federal nutrition policy across multiple ministries.

Taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages were introduced as part of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) (icmr.gov.in) issues dietary guidelines and conducts population health surveys.

School curricula include nutrition education, and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (now PM POSHAN) provides nutritious lunches to millions of school children.

Private sector organizations such as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) (www.cii.in) have developed voluntary commitments to reduce unhealthy ingredients in food products.

Kampuchea (Cambodia)

Kampuchea has maintained low obesity rates through a traditional diet rich in rice, fish, fresh vegetables, and fermented foods, combined with active physical lifestyles among a predominantly rural population.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) (moh.gov.kh) developed the National Strategic Plan for Food and Nutrition 2019-2023, targeting both undernutrition and the prevention of non-communicable diseases including obesity.

The National Nutrition Program under the MOH coordinates nutrition surveillance and public education campaigns.

The Kampuchea Food and Drug Administration (CAMFDA) (www.fda.gov.kh) regulates food labeling and enforces restrictions on false nutritional claims.

International partners including the World Health Organization Kampuchea Country Office (www.who.int) and Helen Keller International (www.who.int) support community-based nutrition programs. (www.hki.org)

Physical education is incorporated into the national school curriculum.

Fast food consumption remains low, particularly in rural areas, and traditional cooking methods continue to dominate household food preparation.

नेपाल (Nepal)

Nepal low obesity rate reflects a traditional diet based on dal Bhat (lentils and rice), vegetables, and minimally processed foods, combined with high levels of physical activity among both rural farmers and urban residents who rely on walking for transportation.

The Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) (mohp.gov.np) oversees the Multi-Sector Nutrition Plan (MSNP), which integrates nutrition goals across agriculture, education, water, and health sectors.

The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) (dftqc.gov.np) enforces food safety and labeling regulations.

The Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) (nhrc.gov.np) conducts surveillance of non-communicable disease risk factors including obesity. International organizations including USAID (nhrc.gov.np) and the World Food Programme Nepal (nhrc.gov.np) support community nutrition programs. (www.usaid.gov) (www.wfp.org)

Community outreach programs promote physical activity and diet awareness.

School health programs include nutrition education, and the school meal program in targeted districts promotes consumption of locally grown, nutritious foods.

Myanma (Myanmar)

Myanma's traditionally low obesity rate is supported by a diet dominated by rice, vegetables, fish, and legumes, with limited consumption of processed foods and sweetened beverages.

The Ministry of Health and Sports (MOHS) (mohs.gov.mm) has developed national nutrition policies within its Five-Year National Health Plan.

The National Nutrition Center under the MOHS coordinates nutrition surveillance and public education. Myanma's Food and Drug Administration (FDA Myanma) (www.fda.gov.mm) regulates food products and enforces labeling requirements.

Physical activity levels remain high due to agricultural lifestyles and limited motorized transportation in rural areas.

The government, with support from UNICEF Myanma (www.unicef.org) and WHO Myanma (www.unicef.org), has implemented community-based programs targeting dietary practices in schools and health centers. (www.who.int)

Physical education is included in the national school curriculum.

Tanzania

Tanzania maintains a low obesity rate through a combination of traditional dietary practices, physical activity, and government nutrition programs.

The Tanzanian diet is centered on ugali (maize porridge), beans, vegetables, and fish in coastal regions, with limited consumption of processed or high-fat foods.

The Ministry of Health (MOH Tanzania) (moh.go.tz) oversees the National Nutrition Strategy, which targets all forms of malnutrition including the growing prevalence of overweight and obesity in urban areas.

The Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA) (www.tfda.go.tz) enforces food safety and labeling regulations.

The government has partnered with the World Bank (www.worldbank.org) and USAID (www.worldbank.org) on community nutrition interventions. (www.usaid.gov)

School health programs include nutrition education components, and physical education is incorporated in the national curriculum. Tanzania's ongoing urbanization and growing fast food sector present emerging challenges that the government is beginning to address through public awareness campaigns and food labeling reforms.

Other Countries that had Low Obesity Rates

Nippon (Japan)

Nippon enacted the Basic Law on Shokuiku which mandates nationwide nutrition education integrated throughout the school system.

Municipal governments coordinate daily school lunches prepared by trained nutritionists using nationally approved dietary standards.

Corporate health monitoring programs measure metabolic health indicators annually under the national health insurance framework.

Hanguk (South Korea)

Hanguk operates a universal health screening system that regularly measures body mass index and metabolic risk indicators.

The Ministry of Education regulates balanced nutritional content in school lunches served to millions of students each day.

Urban planning policies prioritize mass transit networks which require walking and increase routine daily activity.

Indonesia

The Healthy Living Community Movement promotes reduced sugar consumption and increased exercise.

Nutrition labeling reforms assist consumers in identifying healthier foods.

Municipal governments invest in sports facilities and public recreation areas.

Obesity Values by World Region (Approximate 2022 Data)

The following represents the approximate adult obesity prevalence rates by world region, based on data from the World Health Organization and NCD-RisC (2022). These figures illustrate the significant global disparities in obesity rates:

References for Section 2:

World Health Organization – Obesity and Overweight: (www.who.int)

NCD Risk Factor Collaboration: (ncdrisc.org)

Việt Nam Ministry of Health: (moh.gov.vn)

Section 3: What the United States Can Do to Decrease Its Obesity Rate

The United States faces one of the most severe obesity crises in the world, with approximately 36.5% of adults classified as obese as of 2023. Decreasing obesity at the national level requires a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach that engages federal and state government agencies, the food and beverage industry, the healthcare system, educational institutions, urban planners, employers, and individual citizens. The following describes in general how the United States can reduce its obesity rate.

Federal Government Actions:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could work collaboratively to develop and enforce evidence-based nutrition standards, regulate food labeling, and fund public health campaigns.

The USDA could expand access to healthy foods through programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC by incentivizing the purchase of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while restricting subsidies for processed food ingredients.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) could regulate deceptive food marketing, particularly advertising targeting children. Congress could pass legislation establishing a national sugar-sweetened beverage tax, the proceeds of which fund community health initiatives.

State and Local Government Actions:

State health departments could implement policies requiring physical education in schools, establishing nutritional standards for school meals, and regulating the placement of fast food outlets near schools and low-income housing.

City and county governments could invest in walkable infrastructure, bicycle lanes, and public parks to encourage physical activity. Zoning laws should incentivize grocery stores in food deserts.

Food and Beverage Industry: Corporations could voluntarily and through regulation reformulate products to reduce sugar, sodium, and saturated fat content. Front-of-pack warning labels (similar to Chile's system) should be required on unhealthy products.

Restaurants could display calorie information prominently on menus, as required under the Affordable Care Act but inconsistently enforced. Advertising of ultra-processed foods to children under 13 should be prohibited.

Healthcare System: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) could expand reimbursement for obesity counseling, behavioral therapy, and evidence-based weight management programs. Primary care physicians could be trained and required to screen for obesity at every patient encounter and provide appropriate referrals. Obesity could be formally recognized and treated as a chronic disease with the same insurance coverage obligations as other conditions.

Educational Institutions: Schools could serve nutritious meals meeting updated USDA nutritional guidelines, limit the sale of competitive foods and beverages that fail to meet health standards, and incorporate nutrition education into core curricula from kindergarten through grade 12.

Physical education could be provided for a minimum of 150 minutes per week at the elementary level and 225 minutes per week at the secondary level.

Employers and the Private Sector: Employers with more than 50 employees could provide health insurance coverage that includes obesity screening, counseling, and treatment.

Workplace wellness programs could include evidence-based physical activity and nutritional components.

The business community should be incentivized through tax credits to create healthier workplace food environments.

Individual and Community Actions: Individuals should be supported with accessible nutrition education, culturally appropriate dietary guidance, and affordable healthy food options.

Community health workers could be deployed in underserved neighborhoods to provide one-on-one nutrition and lifestyle counseling.

Faith communities, nonprofit organizations, and social service agencies should be engaged as partners in delivering health promotion programs.

Section 4: References

References for Section 2 and Section 3:

World Health Organization (WHO) – Obesity and Overweight: (www.who.int)

NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC): (ncdrisc.org)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Overweight and Obesity: (www.cdc.gov)

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): (www.fda.gov)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Nutrition: (www.usda.gov)

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): (www.cms.gov)

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Food Marketing: (www.ftc.gov)

Việt Nam National Institute of Nutrition: (viendinhduong.vn)

FSSAI – Eat Right Bharat: (eatrightindia.gov.in)

BRAC Health Program (বাংলাদেশ): (brac.net)

Ethiopian Public Health Institute: (ephi.gov.et)

नेपाल Ministry of Health and Population: (mohp.gov.np)

Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority: (www.tfda.go.tz)

Section 5: U.S. Organizations Advocating to Improve Obesity

Section 6: Individuals Advocating to Improve Obesity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current obesity rate in the United States?

As of 2022, the U.S. adult obesity rate is approximately 36.2%, placing it among the highest in the world. The most recent 2023 data indicates this has risen slightly to approximately 36.5%, reinforcing the urgency for systemic policy interventions.

Why is obesity so high in the United States compared to other countries?

U.S. obesity is driven primarily by behavioral, environmental, and socioeconomic factors including widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods, sedentary car-dependent lifestyles, large portion sizes, aggressive junk food marketing, and food deserts in lower-income communities. Economic disparities also make calorie-dense processed foods more affordable than fresh alternatives for many Americans.

Which countries have the lowest obesity rates and why?

Countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh maintain very low obesity rates through traditional plant-rich diets, active transportation habits such as walking and cycling, and strong cultural food practices that minimize reliance on processed foods. Government nutrition strategies and school-based health programs also play a significant role.

What specific government policies have helped Vietnam keep obesity rates low?

Vietnam's Ministry of Health implemented the National Nutrition Strategy 2011–2020 and successor plans targeting obesity prevention, particularly in urban areas. School meal programs emphasize balanced nutrition, physical education is mandatory at all school levels, and the National Institute of Nutrition conducts ongoing population studies to inform dietary guidelines.

What policy changes could the U.S. adopt to lower its obesity rate?

The U.S. could implement systemic interventions such as restricting marketing of unhealthy foods to children, improving food labeling standards, expanding access to fresh produce in food deserts, redesigning urban spaces to support walking and cycling, and strengthening nutrition standards in school meal programs. Addressing economic disparities that make processed foods more affordable than healthy options is also critical.

Where can I find reliable data on U.S. and global obesity rates?

Reliable sources include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s adult obesity data at cdc.gov/obesity, the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration at ncdrisc.org, the Gallup World Poll at gallup.com, and the World Health Organization Global Health Observatory at who.int/data/gho. These sources provide country-level comparisons and trend data updated regularly.

About the Author

Ronald Bonfilio has devoted his career to public service spanning more than five decades. His service began with the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, where he conducted medical laboratory research at Fort Detrick and at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. He subsequently held a distinguished series of federal positions, including roles with the National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Agency for International Development (Vietnam), the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, and the U.S. State Department (Iraq), where he served as a Senior Economic Advisor and Agricultural Advisor. He also served 15 years with the U.S. Government Accountability Office as a Program Analyst and Auditor.

Ronald Bonfilio holds a degree in Economics from the University of Maryland, and degrees in Chemistry and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts. He is a former Certified Public Accountant.