According to a recent ranking published by CEOWORLD magazine on Monday, Iraq ranks among the countries with the highest obesity rates globally and in the Arab world. Iraq placed 172nd out of 197 countries, with an overall obesity rate of 39.28%.

The report found that obesity among men in Iraq stood at 30.43%, while the rate among women reached 48.13%, placing the country among the Arab nations most affected by obesity and ahead of several neighboring states in the region.

Among Arab countries, Bahrain recorded an obesity rate of 38.96%, followed by Libya at 38.24% and Jordan at 36.56%. The United Arab Emirates recorded 34.81%, while Saudi Arabia reached 45.56%. Egypt registered 50.14%, followed by Qatar at 57.33%. Kuwait ranked among the highest globally, with an obesity rate of 57.85%, placing 187th worldwide.

By contrast, Vietnam recorded the world’s lowest obesity rate at just 1.72%, followed by East Timor and Ethiopia. At the other end of the scale, the United States ranked among the countries with the highest obesity prevalence, at 51.85%, while American Samoa recorded the highest rate globally at 75.29%.

The report attributed lower obesity rates in some countries to lower income levels, greater reliance on traditional diets, and higher levels of physical activity. It also noted that global obesity rates among adults have more than doubled since 1990 and quadrupled among adolescents. Emerging economies, including those in the Middle East, are facing growing health and economic pressures driven by urbanization, changing dietary habits, and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods.

The report further emphasized that rising obesity rates affect not only public health systems but also contribute to higher healthcare and insurance costs, reduced workforce productivity, and broader economic challenges.