Kazakhstan's adult population largely overweight, but region's best rates

Kazakhstan faces a significant public health challenge with over half of its adult population classified as overweight or obese, according to international data. The country ranks 96th out of 199 nations in terms of elevated body mass index (BMI), with 56 percent of adults having a BMI above 25.

Despite this high prevalence, Kazakhstan holds the most favorable position among its Central Asian neighbors. Kyrgyzstan shares the same 56 percent rate, while Uzbekistan reports 64 percent, Turkmenistan 58 percent, and Tajikistan 58 percent. The situation has deteriorated across the region since 1980, with the share of adults with elevated BMI increasing by 19–36 percentage points over 44 years. Kazakhstan, however, has experienced the slowest growth rate in the region, a notable shift from 1980 when it led the region with 37 percent of adults overweight or obese.

Recent data from Kazakhstan's Ministry of Health indicates a recent decline in new obesity cases. In 2025, the incidence was 39.6 cases per 100,000 people, a 12.6 percent decrease from the previous year. This downward trend continued into the first quarter of 2026, with rates dropping to 32.6 cases per 100,000, a 26.7 percent decrease compared to the same period last year. However, obesity remains a significant concern among specific age groups, particularly adolescents, who show a considerably higher incidence rate.