Uzbekistan has taken first place in Central Asia and 59th place globally regarding obesity. The "Our World in Data" portal reported this, citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO). The ranking reveals that 64% of Uzbekistan's population is overweight. Among other countries in the region, obesity rates were recorded at 58% for Turkmenistan and Tajikistan; 56% for Kazakhstan, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan; and 55% for Belarus. Experts identify excessive salt intake, poor nutrition, and a sedentary lifestyle as the primary causes of obesity.
Additionally, nearly 3 million children and adolescents in the country suffer from excess weight. Furthermore, more than 40% of non-pregnant women aged 15–49 face issues with obesity. Experts warn that if current trends persist, the economic cost of obesity to Uzbekistan could reach $21.6 billion by 2060.
