Global prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity among migrant workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not reported in abstract

• Effect Size: Pooled prevalence: 4.7% underweight, 43.7% overweight/obesity

• Primary Outcome: Double burden of malnutrition among migrant workers

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Prevalence varies by migration type: underweight more common in local migrants/South Asia, overweight/obesity more common in international migrants/high-income countries

• Confidence Interval: Underweight: 95% CI 3.1-6.9%; Overweight/obesity: 95% CI 39.8-47.6%

Clinical Application

Routine BMI screening feasible in occupational health assessments, though access to migrant worker populations may be challenging Relevant for Australian migration health policies and workplace health programs. May inform TGA nutrition guidelines and support RACGP recommendations for migrant health screening Migrant workers in Australian healthcare settings, particularly relevant for occupational health services and community health programs

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Migrant workers are increasingly recognised as a nutritionally vulnerable population due to unstable working conditions, disrupted food environments, and limited access to health services. However, global estimates of malnutrition in this group remain fragmented. We aimed to identify the global prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity among migrant workers and identify key moderating factors. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. We searched seven databases without restrictions on language, region, or year of publication. Observational studies reporting the prevalence of underweight (body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m2) or overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) among migrant workers were included. We calculated pooled prevalence estimates using generalised linear mixed models with random effects. We assessed heterogeneity with I2 and Cochran's Q statistics. Moderator analyses were conducted using meta-regression and subgroup comparisons. Further, we appraised study quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools, and assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE. RESULTS: We included 30 studies involving 135 404 migrant workers with a mean age of 32.3 years (standard deviation = 11.1). The pooled prevalence was 4.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.1, 6.9) for underweight and 43.7% (95% CI = 39.8, 47.6) for overweight/obesity, suggesting a substantial double burden of malnutrition. Underweight was more common among local migrants and in lower-middle-income settings, particularly in South Asia, whereas overweight/obesity was more common among international migrants, especially in high-income countries and in Europe and Central Asia. Moderator analyses identified female proportion, destination country or region, income level, and marital status as significant moderators for both outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Migrant workers experience a substantial double burden of malnutrition, although the pattern varies across migration contexts. Undernutrition remains a concern in lower-income settings, whereas overweight and obesity are more common in high-income settings. Integrating nutrition-sensitive strategies into labour and migration health policies, including healthier food environments, routine nutritional screening, and culturally appropriate interventions, may help reduce health inequalities in this population. REGISTRATION: INPLASY: 202540030.

References

1. 1.Nurrahma, H. A., Arifin, H., Pradana, A. A., Susanto, H., Yeh, C. L., Chen, Y. L., Shirakawa, H., Chou, K. R., & Yang, S. C. (2026). Global prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity among migrant workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Global Health, 16, 04154. https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.16.04154