What is the fattest country in Southeast Asia? Southeast Asia is known for its diverse cultures, rich history, and fantastic street food. But in recent years, one issue has become increasingly noticeable across the region: obesity.
Obesity is commonly measured by the Body Mass Index (BMI), where a BMI of 30 or more is classified as obese. Each country in Southeast Asia faces different challenges when it comes to obesity rates, but which one tops the list? Here’s a look at the top 11 countries in the region ranked from 11 to 1, based on obesity rates and what’s driving the issue in each country.
11. Myanmar (Obesity Rate: 5.1%)
Myanmar is often seen as one of the less-developed countries in Southeast Asia, and its obesity rate reflects that. With an obesity rate of just 5.1%, Myanmar is at the lower end of the spectrum in the region. The country’s food culture, while rich and flavorful, is not as heavy on processed foods as in other countries, and the diet tends to be more traditional and vegetable-heavy.
Why is this the case?
Essentially Myanmar is poor and at war which tends to keep a country thin. Bigger factors though are the fine Myanmar cuisine is for the most part is healthy, but also the fact that bar Lotteria are pretty much the only fast food restaurant to have gained traction.
10. Vietnam (Obesity Rate: 6.6%)
Vietnam is often praised for its fresh and healthy cuisine. Known for its pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls, the diet is generally low in fat and rich in vegetables. However, the country has seen a steady increase in obesity rates over the years. The 6.6% obesity rate is still relatively low, but it is a sign of changing food patterns.
Why the increase?
I’m shocked they even have 6.6 percent, but being second last and having such a low rate is testament to just great Vietnamese cuisine is. That there some fatties is due to the explosion of fast food restaurants and the party scene in the big cities.
9. Laos (Obesity Rate: 6.7%)
Obesity rates in Laos are still relatively low compared to global standards, but they have been creeping up in recent years. The 6.7% obesity rate is an indicator of urbanization and changing dietary habits. Laos is known for its sticky rice and larb (a meat salad), but much of the population still enjoys traditional meals made at home.
What’s Driving It?
The third least fattest country in Southeast Asia quite simply because of their healthy vegetable based cuisine. That they have some rotund people is due to the fact that sugary drinks and instant noodles are a big thing. Lets ignore alcohol for the time being.
8. Timor-Leste (Obesity Rate: 7.2%)
Timor-Leste has an obesity rate of 7.2%, which reflects the country’s mix of traditional and modern food habits. The diet is still heavily influenced by agriculture, with corn, cassava, and fresh fish forming the bulk of meals. However, urbanization and the introduction of processed foods are beginning to have an impact.
Why so low on the fattest country on Southeast Asia list?
Share a lot in common with Indonesia and have only just come out of civil war and the start of development. And I should know as I have met the President.
7. Indonesia (Obesity Rate: 8.5%)
Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, has a diverse food culture ranging from the rich and spicy dishes of Java to the satay and nasi goreng that are loved nationwide. The 8.5% obesity rate reflects the rapid urbanization and an increase in processed food consumption.
Why is this happening?
In the big cities or rich places of Indonesia such as Bali the obesity level is much higher. This is because fast food restaurants from the west as well as a plethora of local ones like A and W have shot up. Tie this in with the fact that local food is not only not good, but mostly consists of ice and noodles and you have a recipe for disaster.
6. Cambodia (Obesity Rate: 8.6%)
Cambodia is another country where traditional diets are still quite prevalent, and dishes like amok (fish curry) and lok lak (stir-fried beef) are staples. However, the 8.6% obesity rate suggests a growing problem.
What’s causing the issue?
What can I say about my adopted home? My personal opinion is that the influx of westerns, as well as the fact that the people are almost rebelling against Khmer Rouge times and well people get bigger. I say go for it Cambodia, you will always have great cuisine.
5. Philippines (Obesity Rate: 11.3%)
The Philippines is home to one of Southeast Asia’s most rapidly growing economies, and its food culture is heavily influenced by both traditional dishes and fast food. With an obesity rate of 11.3%, the country is grappling with a health crisis, even though sinigang (sour soup) and adobo (braised chicken) are staples of the Filipino diet.
What’s causing the issue?
The Philippines have been heavily influenced by America and this means a shit tonne of franchisees. Sadly their food is not that good to boot.
4. Malaysia (Obesity Rate: 13.3%)
Malaysia has one of the highest obesity rates in Southeast Asia, with a staggering 13.3% of the population classified as obese. Malaysia’s food culture is influenced by a variety of traditions, including Chinese, Indian, and Malay cuisines. Dishes like nasi lemak, roti canai, and laksa are rich in flavor and calories.
Why the increase?
I am amazed this is not higher for so many reasons. Firstly the food is just unhealthy with there being candy stores and fast food giants everywhere. Even their 7-Elevens are shockingly bad! That the country is a nightmare for exercise only makes it worse.
3. Brunei (Obesity Rate: 14.9%)
Brunei, despite its small size and wealth, is facing an obesity epidemic with a rate of 14.9%. The country’s population enjoys a lifestyle marked by affluence, and its food culture is a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines.
What’s Driving It?
With a high standard of living, Brunei has access to a wide variety of imported foods, and fast food chains have made their mark. High-calorie diets, coupled with a lack of physical activity, are contributing to the growing obesity rates in Brunei. The government has also highlighted the issue, but progress in reducing obesity has been slow. AKA they are too rich.,…
2. Singapore (Obesity Rate: 15.7%)
Singapore, one of the wealthiest and most developed countries in Southeast Asia, has an obesity rate of 15.7%. The city-state offers a wide range of food options, from hawker centers with traditional dishes to fast food and international cuisines.
Why is this happening?
The rise in fast food consumption, sugary snacks, and processed foods has led to an increase in obesity rates, despite the country’s focus on promoting health. The bustling, modern lifestyle of Singaporeans, combined with high levels of sedentary behavior in urban environments, has contributed to this worrying trend.
1. Thailand (Obesity Rate: 20.4%)
And finally, the country with the highest obesity rate in Southeast Asia is Thailand, with a staggering 20.4% of the population classified as obese.
Why is Thailand the fattest country in South-East Asia?
Making the fattest in Southeast Asia is not an enviable thing to happen, but is understandable. Formerly Thai street food ruled the waves, but now McDonalds and the like are everywhere. Even the 7-Elevens – which are great offer far more than just health foods.
And then there is the party lifestyle. If people ear drink and party then putting on weight is kind of a natural occurrence. Don’t believe me? Check out Khao San Road.
So there you have it the fattest country in Southeast Asia and YES I can talk about tis because I am a fatty myself. Fatty being our own personal N-Word…