BMI Calculator (Asian-Indian cutoffs)
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². For Indian adults, WHO Asia-Pacific guidance uses lower cutoffs than the international scale: 18.5–22.9 is normal, 23–24.9 overweight, and ≥25 obese — because cardiometabolic risk rises at lower BMI in South Asian populations.
Why Indian adults use different BMI cutoffs
South Asians tend to carry more visceral (abdominal) fat and develop insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease at lower body weights than European populations. The WHO Asia-Pacific consensus therefore lowered the action points: health risk begins rising from BMI 23 rather than 25.
| BMI (kg/m²) | Category (Asian-Indian) |
|---|---|
| < 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 22.9 | Normal |
| 23 – 24.9 | Overweight |
| 25 – 29.9 | Obese Class I |
| ≥ 30 | Obese Class II |
What BMI can and cannot tell you
BMI is a screening number, not a diagnosis. It doesn't distinguish muscle from fat and can misclassify muscular or elderly individuals. Waist circumference (≥90 cm men, ≥80 cm women for Indians) adds important information about visceral fat. If your BMI falls in the overweight or obese range, the useful next step is a structured plan — not a crash diet.
Frequently asked questions
Is BMI accurate for Indians?
BMI is a useful screening tool, but Indian adults should use the lower Asia-Pacific cutoffs (overweight from 23, obese from 25) because metabolic risk rises at lower BMI in South Asian populations. Pair it with waist circumference for a fuller picture.
What is a good BMI for Indian adults?
18.5 to 22.9 kg/m² is considered the normal range under WHO Asia-Pacific guidance.
My BMI is above 25 — what should I do?
A BMI ≥25 in Indian adults falls in the obese category. A structured, medically guided approach — diet, activity, and where appropriate clinical support — works better than crash dieting. TransformYou's 30-Day Weight Loss and 90-Day Transformation programs are physician-designed for exactly this.
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START FREE ASSESSMENT →This page is educational information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. AI tools on TransformYou are informational only; every clinical recommendation is reviewed by Dr. Shishir Anand in compliance with India's Telemedicine Practice Guidelines 2020. For emergencies, call 112 or visit the nearest hospital.