A global meta-analysis of 135,404 migrant workers found that 43.7% are overweight or obese while 4.7% are underweight, revealing a substantial double burden of malnutrition that varies by migration context and income level.
- Nearly half of migrant workers globally are overweight or obese, while 5% are underweight
- Overweight/obesity is more common among international migrants in high-income countries
- Underweight is more prevalent among local migrants in lower-middle-income settings, especially South Asia
How this compares to prior research
Migrant workers have been increasingly recognised as nutritionally vulnerable due to their working conditions and limited healthcare access. However, prior to this study, global estimates of malnutrition in this population remained fragmented, with no comprehensive synthesis of prevalence data across different migration contexts and income levels. This meta-analysis provides the first pooled global estimates.
Overweight and obesity prevalence trends, global population, 1990–1999
Key findings
- Among 135,404 migrant workers with mean age 32.3 years, pooled prevalence was 4.7% for underweight and 43.7% for overweight/obesity
- Underweight was more common among local migrants in lower-middle-income settings, particularly in South Asia
- Overweight/obesity was more common among international migrants in high-income countries, especially in Europe and Central Asia
What this means in practice
- Ask your healthcare provider about nutritional screening if you are a migrant worker, especially when moving to a high-income country
- Consider that food environments in your destination country may differ significantly and affect your weight and health
- Advocate for workplace policies that provide access to affordable, healthy food options and routine health checks
Frequently asked questions
Why do migrant workers have high rates of malnutrition?
Migrant workers face unstable working conditions, disrupted food environments, and limited access to health services, making them nutritionally vulnerable regardless of their destination.
Does the type of migration affect nutrition outcomes?
Yes. International migrants in high-income countries tend to be overweight or obese, while local migrants in lower-income settings are more likely to be underweight.
What factors influence malnutrition rates among migrant workers?
Female proportion, destination country or region, income level of the destination, and marital status all significantly moderate both underweight and overweight/obesity outcomes.
Key terms explained
Body mass index (BMI)
A measure of body fat based on height and weight; underweight is BMI below 18.5, overweight/obesity is BMI 25 or above
Double burden of malnutrition
The coexistence of both undernutrition and overweight/obesity within the same population group
Meta-analysis
A statistical method that combines results from multiple studies to calculate an overall effect or prevalence estimate
Source: Global prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity among migrant workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. · DOI: doi: 10.7189/jogh.16.04154
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