Only 40.4 percent of the population over the age of 15 in Azerbaijan has a normal body mass index (BMI). The majority of the population falls into the overweight and obese categories.
“Elchi” reports that, according to data obtained from the State Statistical Committee, 48.2 percent of the population over 15 are overweight (BMI 26-30), and 10 percent suffer from obesity (BMI above 31). The share of those with a normal body mass index is 40.4 percent, while the share of individuals with underweight is 1.4 percent.
According to the statistics, the problem of overweight deepens with age. Thus, in the 45-64 age group, 61.1 percent of the population is overweight, and 16.6 percent suffers from obesity. Among the population aged 65 and over, the share of overweight individuals is 61 percent, and the share of those suffering from obesity is 18.6 percent.
In Azerbaijan, 53.7 percent of men are overweight, and 9.3 percent suffer from obesity. Among women, 43.2 percent are overweight, and a 10.7 percent obesity rate has been recorded.
According to official statistics, the average weight of the population over 15 in Azerbaijan is 69.7 kilograms, and the average height is 167.5 centimeters. The average weight of men is 73.7 kilograms, and the average weight of women is 66.1 kilograms. (modern.az)