Average Body Fat Percentage by Country: How 25 Nations Compare | WHO Data

Where Does Your Country Rank?

The average body fat percentage varies dramatically by country — influenced by diet, lifestyle, genetics, and economic factors. Japan has some of the lowest averages. The USA has some of the highest among developed nations.

The Leanest Countries (Men averaging 22-23%, Women 29-30%)

Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore — Traditional diets rich in fish, vegetables, and fermented foods contribute to lower body fat percentages. Walking is a major part of daily life. Portion sizes are smaller than Western standards.

Switzerland, Netherlands — High rates of active transportation (cycling and walking) and generally healthy dietary patterns keep averages lower than their European neighbors.

Mid-Range Countries (Men 24-26%, Women 31-34%)

Germany, France, Italy, Spain — Mediterranean and central European countries fall in the middle. Diet quality varies. Activity levels are moderate.

Brazil, Australia, UK — Higher meat consumption and processed food intake push these nations toward the upper middle range.

Higher Averages (Men 27-29%, Women 36-38%)

USA, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Egypt — High consumption of ultra-processed foods, larger portion sizes, and car-dependent lifestyles drive the highest averages in the study.

The USA's average male body fat of 28% and female average of 36% place it among the highest in the developed world — driven primarily by dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles.

How Do You Compare?

Enter your body fat percentage in our free Country BFP Comparison tool to see:

• Your global percentile ranking among 25 countries
• How you compare to your own country's average
• A detailed table of all 25 countries ranked by body fat

See where you rank: Country Body Fat Comparison →

Data sources: WHO Global Health Observatory, NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC), and national health surveys. Averages are estimated from population BMI data using validated BMI-to-body-fat conversion formulas.