Asian BMI Calculator
Asian BMI calculator with Indian and South Asian cut-offs: healthy is 18.5–22.9, overweight from 23 and obese from 25, shown next to the WHO bands.
Written by HealthSensibly Editorial TeamReviewed by the HealthSensibly editorial teamUpdated
Why Asian BMI cut-offs are lower
Compared with white Europeans at an identical BMI, people with South Asian heritage usually carry more body fat and face higher odds of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. For this reason a WHO expert consultation in 2004 proposed lower action points for people of Asian origin, which were then adopted by Indian consensus guidelines in 2009.
| Category | Asian / Indian BMI | International (WHO) |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | below 18.5 | below 18.5 |
| Normal | 18.5–22.9 | 18.5–24.9 |
| Overweight | 23.0–24.9 | 25.0–29.9 |
| Obese | 25 and above | 30 and above |
Measure your waist as well — in South Asians, more than 80 cm for women or 90 cm for men points to higher risk. Try the waist-to-hip calculator and the IDRS diabetes risk check.
Common questions
What BMI range is healthy for Indian adults?
18.5 to 22.9. Indian guidelines label 23–24.9 as overweight and 25 or above as obese.
Why do two calculators put me in different categories?
Many tools apply the international bands, where normal runs up to 24.9. The Asian bands are lower because risk begins at a lower BMI.
Is BMI the same as body fat?
No, it only estimates it. Treat BMI as a quick screen and add waist or body-fat measurements for more detail.
Do these cut-offs apply to other Asian groups?
The WHO consultation covered Asian populations broadly, but national guidance differs; ask your doctor which bands apply to you.
Sources: WHO expert consultation: BMI for Asian populations (Lancet 2004) · NHS: BMI calculator (ethnicity-adjusted)
Checked against the sources listed. This is general guidance only and not a substitute for medical advice — please speak to your doctor about your own situation.
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