Obesity among adults in Iraq

In 2024, the adult obesity rate in Iraq was 39.7 %, up from 39.3 % in 2023. Explore the historical series and compare Iraq with other economies below.

Obesity among adults

Share of adults aged 18+ with BMI ≥ 30

Iraq

Year	%
2024	39.7
2023	39.3
2022	39.0
2021	38.7
2020	38.3
2019	38.0
2018	37.6
2017	37.2
2016	36.7
2015	36.2
2014	35.6
2013	35.1
2012	34.5
2011	33.8
2010	33.2
2009	32.6
2008	31.9
2007	31.2
2006	30.6
2005	29.9
2004	29.2
2003	28.5
2002	27.7
2001	27.0
2000	26.3

How Iraq compares

Obesity among adults compared with other countries

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Obesity among adults

About this indicator

This indicator measures the percentage of adults aged 18 years and over with obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher. BMI is calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). For example, a person weighing 90 kg and measuring 1.70 m would have a BMI of 31.1 (90 ÷ 1.70²), which falls within the obesity range. Estimates are age-standardized, which adjusts for differences in population age structures and improves comparability across countries and over time.
Adult obesity is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers, and is therefore an important indicator of long-term population health risk.

Sources and updates

Data sources

The data for this indicator are drawn from the World Health Organization Global Health Observatory (GHO).

Last update

This indicator was last updated on Econorama on 18 June 2026 and reflects the latest data available from the underlying sources at that time.