LUXEMBOURG / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, European Union adults had an obesity prevalence of 16.3%, according to the latest Eurostat figures. Additionally, 35.4% of adults were classified as pre-obese. These two groups combined made up 51.7% of individuals aged 18 and over. The data clearly indicates that over half of the EU adult population had a body mass index (BMI) categorized as overweight.
The statistics also reveal notable differences between men and women. Obesity was present in 17.4% of men and 15.3% of women. Pre-obesity affected 41.9% of men, whereas 29.3% of women fell into the same category. Women had a higher rate of underweight at 2.9%, compared to 1.0% among men.
Eurostat documented significant variations among EU countries. Malta had the highest obesity rate, with 26.6% of adults affected in 2025. Latvia followed at 24.6%, and Finland ranked third at 23.2%. Italy showed the lowest rate at 7.0%. Greece was at 12.8%, with Romania close behind at 12.9%.
Malta records highest EU obesity rate
BMI, or body mass index, measures weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Eurostat classifies adults with a BMI of 30 or more as obese. Those with a BMI from 25 up to below 30 are considered pre-obese. Overweight includes both obese and pre-obese individuals. BMI under 18.5 is categorized as underweight.
The data by gender indicates that more men than women were affected by excess weight in 2025. Combining obesity and pre-obesity, 59.3% of men and 44.6% of women were impacted. The difference between the sexes was smaller when looking only at obesity. The figures include people aged 18 and older. They offer a standard way to compare weight categories across EU countries.
Obesity data enhances EU health tracking efforts
Obesity rates are part of the European health monitoring aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They contribute to indicators related to SDG 2, which aims for zero hunger and better nutrition. The data also supports SDG 3, which focuses on health and well-being. These measures help authorities monitor nutrition and health trends using consistent data across countries.
The 2025 numbers show that obesity, along with pre-obesity, is a key part of excess weight issues in the EU. About one in six adults was affected by obesity alone. Over one in three had pre-obesity. Countries ranged from 7.0% in Italy to 26.6% in Malta. The latest figures highlight significant differences across member states. They also confirm that overweight categories together impacted most EU adults.