Top 10 movie and TV Santa Claus' ranked - by who had the biggest BMI

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Santa Claus can be classed as morbidly obese, with a BMI of 41.5, based on portrayals in popular culture (Image: S. Dominick/Getty Images)
Santa Claus can be classed as morbidly obese, with a BMI of 41.5, based on portrayals in popular culture (Image: S. Dominick/Getty Images)

The top 10 movie and TV Santas have been revealed – according to which ones have had the biggest BMIs. Seven out of the top 10 favourite castings of Father Christmas can be classed as morbidly, or severely, obese, with a BMI above 40.

And only one of these portrayals is classed as simply “overweight”, registering a BMI of just 28.4 – Richard Attenborough's character Kris Kringle, in the beloved 1994 remake of “Miracle On 34th Street”.

The heaviest on-screen Santas appear in 2007 movie “Fred Claus”, the festive Coca-Cola advert, and animated classic, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” – with all these depictions weighing in at a whopping 300 pounds, or 136kg. And respectively, their BMIs come in at 44.2, 43 – and an alarming 49.9, in the Tim Burton festive fright.

Other unhealthy portrayals of the big man come in 2003 movie, “Elf”, where he weighs 270 pounds, and has a BMI of 44.7. And in “Arthur Christmas”, from 2011, Jim Broadbent's animated Santa Claus weighs 280 pounds (127kg), and registers a BMI of 42.5.

But it seems not all festive film fans find such depictions endearing – as a quarter worry this could actually encourage overeating during the Christmas period.

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The analysis of on-screen Santas was conducted by researchers at ZAVA, who reviewed a combination of factors, such as the height of the actor, and compared visual depictions with imagery of body shapes and their known weights, to calculate his BMI.

And the findings from the online doctor also calculated Santa's BMI at a severely obese 41.5, based on an average of the top 10 movie, TV show, and advert depictions of the jolly character.

Top 10 movie and TV Santa Claus' ranked - by who had the biggest BMIBut a quarter of Brits worry these unhealthy movie and TV depictions could actually encourage overeating during the Christmas period (ZAVA)

Dr Babak Ashrafi, clinical lead for service development at ZAVA, which compiled a “Nutritional Naughty and Nice List” featuring simple swaps for classic Christmas food and drinks, said: “Over the years, there have been many beloved depictions of Santa.

“But across all these variations, one thing has stood the test of time – and that’s him being on the larger side. In fact, his weight in most of these festive favourites is actually considered dangerous, and he would urgently need to change his lifestyle – otherwise, he could encounter a raft of weight-related problems, including diabetes and heart problems.

“As we are more conscious than ever when it comes to unhealthy portrayals having a knock-on impact on our own health, it would seem many believe Father Christmas could make a few healthier choices, to continue spreading festive cheer for many years to come.”

The research, of 2,000 adults, also found 55% admit their healthy eating and drinking habits will “go out of the window” this Christmas, with 31% finding it difficult to say “no” to indulgent food and drink when they are in the festive mood.

And 80% do believe Christmas time in general encourages an over-consumption of decadent foods. However, 32% will try to keep an eye on their calorie intake over the festive period – as 19% always try to be healthy, so won’t change at this time of year.

Meanwhile, 14% of these want to avoid putting on weight during the festive celebrations, according to the poll, conducted via OnePoll.

That being said, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, and turkey breast are the foods Christmas revellers would not be prepared to swap out for a healthier alternative. And many will draw the line at stuffing, mince pies, and Christmas pudding, when it comes to seeking healthier options.

Dr Babak Ashrafi, at ZAVA, which offers medical treatments including weight-loss products, added: “As the holiday season tempts our taste buds with festive delights, it's an annual challenge to resist the allure of beloved treats.

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“Christmas brings cherished traditions and flavours, making it difficult to say no to the classics we hold dear. While relishing these festive delights, it's important to savour in moderation, keeping a watchful eye on our intake and embracing mindful choices, to ensure that our celebrations are not only delightful, but also healthy.”

TOP 10 BIGGEST ON-SCREEN SANTAS – ACCORDING TO THEIR BMI:

  1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (movie, 1993) – 5 foot 5 inches (165cm), weighing 300 pounds = BMI of 49.9 (Severely Obese)
  2. The Snowman (TV, 1982), and Father Christmas (TV, 1991) – 5 foot 7 inches (170cm), weighing 290 pounds = BMI of 45.5 (Severely Obese)
  3. Elf (movie, 2003) – 5 foot 5 inches (165cm), weighing 270 pounds = BMI of 44.7 (Severely Obese)
  4. Fred Claus (movie, 2007) – 5 foot 9 inches (175cm), weighing 300 pounds = BMI of 44.2 (Severely Obese)
  5. Coca-Cola advert – 5 foot 10 inches (178cm), weighing 300 pounds = BMI of 43.0 (Severely Obese)
  6. Arthur Christmas (movie, 2011) – 5 foot 8 inches (173cm), weighing 280 pounds = BMI of 42.5 (Severely Obese)
  7. NORAD (Santa tracker) – 5 foot 7 inches (170cm), weighing 260 pounds = BMI of 40.7 (Severely Obese)
  8. The Santa Claus (movie, 1994) – 5 foot 8 inches (173cm), weighing 260 pounds = BMI of 39.5 (Obese)
  9. Santa Claus: The Movie (movie, 1985) – 5 foot 9 inches (175cm), weighing 250 pounds = BMI of 36.7 (Obese)
  10. Miracle On 34th Street (movie, 1994) – 5 foot 6 inches (168cm), weighing 175 pounds = BMI of 28.4 (Overweight)

Andrew Young

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