A recent national study has revealed that 42 per cent of women in Sri Lanka are either overweight or obese. According to the National Nutrition and Micronutrient Survey (NNMS), nearly one in three women (29.6 per cent) are classified as overweight, while approximately one in eight (12.6 per cent) aged 18–60 years fall into the obese category. The highest prevalence of both overweight and obesity was found among women aged between 50 and 60 years.
Defining Overweight and Obesity by BMI
The NNMS defines overweight as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², and obesity as a BMI greater than 30kg/m². The BMI index is a crucial tool in assessing body composition and identifying health risks related to excess weight. For women, understanding their BMI is vital for early detection of metabolic or cardiovascular risks. To calculate BMI accurately, readers can refer to a bmi calculator for women provided by health authorities.
Urban Women Face Highest Rates of Obesity
The 2022 study further highlighted a significant urban–rural divide in weight trends. Urban women recorded the highest combined rate of overweight and obesity at an alarming 57.5 per cent. Meanwhile, underweight conditions remain prevalent in the Central (18.9 per cent) and Estate (22.8 per cent) sectors. This contrast points to widening nutritional disparities across different socio-economic settings.
Overall Weight Distribution Among Women
According to the report, 45.2 per cent of Sri Lankan women maintain a normal body weight, while 12.6 per cent are underweight. These findings underscore the complex dual burden of malnutrition faced by the country — where both undernutrition and overnutrition coexist, affecting women differently depending on their environment and income level.
Comparative Findings Among Men
The NNMS also reported that 32 per cent of Sri Lankan men are either overweight or obese. Similar to women, men residing in urban areas demonstrated a higher prevalence of weight-related conditions (42.4 per cent). These patterns suggest that lifestyle factors such as diet, sedentary work, and limited physical activity are contributing to rising obesity rates in cities.
Limited Progress Toward Global Nutrition Goals
According to the Global Nutrition Report, Sri Lanka has made limited progress toward achieving its targets for reducing diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The growing trend of overweight and obesity, particularly among women, poses a serious challenge to national health policies. Experts stress the importance of adopting sustainable dietary habits, promoting physical activity, and enhancing awareness through educational initiatives, including tools like an online bmi calculator for women to help individuals monitor their health.
Conclusion
The findings from the National Nutrition and Micronutrient Survey serve as a wake-up call for public health authorities. As obesity rates climb among Sri Lankan women, immediate interventions are needed to encourage healthier lifestyles and ensure equitable access to nutrition education and medical support across all regions.
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