Obesity in Armenia

Armenia is a country located in the Middle East, specifically in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. It is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran to the south. Armenia is a unitary, multi-party, democratic nation-state with an ancient and historic cultural heritage.

In 2016, Armenia had an adult obesity rate of 20.2%, ranking it 101st globally. This data was collected by the World Health Organization (WHO), which monitors obesity rates worldwide as part of its mission to combat the global obesity epidemic. The WHO defines obesity as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.

Obesity is a significant health concern in Armenia, as it is associated with a number of serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The high obesity rate in Armenia is largely attributed to unhealthy dietary habits, lack of physical activity, and genetic factors.

To combat obesity and promote healthier lifestyles, several healthcare facilities and programs in Armenia offer weight loss and wellness services. One of the most well-known is the Nairi Medical Center, which offers a comprehensive weight loss program that includes nutritional counseling, physical therapy, and surgical options for those who qualify. Another notable facility is the Erebouni Medical Center, which provides a range of services from diet and exercise plans to bariatric surgery.

In addition to these facilities, the Armenian government has implemented various public health initiatives aimed at reducing obesity rates. These include educational campaigns about healthy eating and physical activity, as well as policies to promote access to healthy foods and create environments conducive to physical activity.