Adult Overweight by Country — Every Decade Since 1800

The measurement of excess weight is more than a clinical statistic; it is a profound reflection of how modern global lifestyle and dietary habits interact with long-term health outcomes for the average person. Across 155 countries, these numbers trace a silent, creeping transformation in how human bodies exist in the world. From the 10.49 % recorded in Ethiopia to the 77.94 % found in Chile, the data highlights the physical manifestations of the environments we build and inhabit, revealing a landscape defined by shifting nutritional landscapes and sedentary shifts.

Tracing this trajectory decade by decade since 1800 uncovers a striking historical arc. We have moved from eras defined by the scarcity of calories to a present dominated by their abundance and accessibility. Where once survival was tied to physical exertion and consistent nourishment, contemporary data shows a rapid ascent. Comparing the 13.72 % of Timor-Leste to the 77.94 % of Chile illustrates how quickly a population’s median health profile can change, tracking the evolution of global infrastructure and the availability of processed goods throughout the modern era.

Every row in our records links to what a specific number meant for a real life born in that time and place. If you were born in a nation trending toward the 77.94 % mark, your daily reality is tethered to a different set of health pressures than someone living where the rate remains at 10.49 %. This data maps the biological intersection of history and geography. Explore how your own timeline aligns with these global shifts to understand where you rank among everyone ever born.