Obesity Rate in South America (2026)
South America’s obesity levels are relatively high compared with many other regions. Based on the latest available data, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay lead the regional ranking, while Venezuela and Colombia record the lowest obesity rates in this dataset. Obesity Rate in South America compares adult obesity levels across South American countries and shows how obesity prevalence differs across the continent.
See Also:
Obesity Rate in South America Rankings
| # | Country | Obesity Rate (Both Sexes) | Global Rank | Continent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇨🇱Chile |
41.1% | 22 | South America |
| 2 | 🇦🇷Argentina |
38.06% | 27 | South America |
| 3 | 🇺🇾Uruguay |
36.31% | 35 | South America |
| 4 | 🇵🇾Paraguay |
34.21% | 44 | South America |
| 5 | 🇧🇷Brazil |
30.89% | 61 | South America |
| 6 | 🇸🇷Suriname |
30.77% | 63 | South America |
| 7 | 🇬🇾Guyana |
29.77% | 71 | South America |
| 8 | 🇵🇪Peru |
29.11% | 76 | South America |
| 9 | 🇧🇴Bolivia |
28.83% | 77 | South America |
| 10 | 🇪🇨Ecuador |
28.73% | 78 | South America |
| 11 | 🇨🇴Colombia |
25.27% | 97 | South America |
| 12 | 🇻🇪Venezuela |
22.97% | 109 | South America |
Key Findings
Chile Has the Highest Obesity Rate in South America
- Chile ranks #1 in South America with an obesity rate of 41.10%, followed by Argentina (38.06%), Uruguay (36.31%), Paraguay (34.21%), and Brazil (30.89%).
- This means Chile is the most obese country in South America in this dataset and also ranks high globally.
The Southern Cone Leads the Regional Ranking
- Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay occupy the top three spots in South America, showing that the continent’s highest obesity rates are concentrated in the Southern Cone.
- Paraguay also ranks near the top, reinforcing the pattern of relatively high obesity levels in the southern part of the continent.
Brazil Sits in the Upper Half of the Ranking
- Brazil records an obesity rate of 30.89%, placing it 5th in South America and 61st globally in this dataset.
- That puts Brazil above countries such as Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela, but below Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
Most South American Countries Are Above 25%
- 11 of the 12 South American countries in this dataset have an obesity rate above 25%.
- This highlights how widespread obesity has become across the continent compared with many countries in Asia and Africa.
Venezuela Has the Lowest Obesity Rate in South America
- Venezuela ranks last in South America with an obesity rate of 22.97%, the lowest in the region.
- It is followed by Colombia (25.27%), Ecuador (28.73%), Bolivia (28.83%), and Peru (29.11%).
About Obesity Rate in South America
Obesity has become a major public health issue across much of South America. Countries such as Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay now record obesity rates above 34%, while Colombia and Venezuela sit at the lower end of the continental ranking. Obesity Rate in South America measures the percentage of adults classified as obese in each South American country and ranks them from highest to lowest.
These differences reflect diet, urbanization, income levels, physical activity, healthcare systems, and broader lifestyle changes across the continent. Looking at obesity rates across South America helps reveal where obesity is most common and which countries remain comparatively lower.
Definitions & Methodology
What does obesity rate in South America measure?
Obesity rate in South America shows the percentage of adults classified as obese in each South American country. The ranking is based on the Obesity Rate (Both Sexes) value in the dataset.
How are South American countries ranked?
South American countries are ranked from highest to lowest according to their overall adult obesity rate. A higher percentage means a larger share of the adult population is living with obesity.
What unit is used?
All values are shown as percentages (%). For example, an obesity rate of 41.10% means about 41.10% of the adult population in that country is classified as obese.
Why do obesity rates vary across South America?
Obesity rates across South America are shaped by differences in diet, processed food consumption, urban lifestyles, physical activity, income levels, healthcare systems, and broader public health conditions.
Obesity Rate in South America FAQs
Which country has the highest obesity rate in South America?
Chile has the highest obesity rate in South America in this dataset at 41.10%, followed by Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil.
Which country has the lowest obesity rate in South America?
Venezuela has the lowest obesity rate in South America at 22.97%, followed by Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru.
Why are obesity rates high in several South American countries?
Obesity rates in South America are influenced by diet changes, processed food consumption, urban lifestyles, lower physical activity, income growth, and broader long-term health trends across the continent.
How does Brazil compare with the rest of South America?
Brazil ranks 5th in South America with an obesity rate of 30.89%, placing it in the upper half of the regional obesity ranking.
How is obesity rate in South America measured?
Obesity rate in South America is measured as the percentage of adults in each country who fall into the obesity category according to international public health definitions used in the dataset.