BMI Calculator — Asian Indian Cutoff
For Asian Indians, WHO recommends risk starts at BMI 23 (vs 25 for general populations). At BMI 27.5+, Indians are classified as obese. This calculator shows both WHO and Asian cutoffs.
Your BMI
24.22
Category
Normal weight
BMI: 24.22
Healthy Weight Range
53.5–72 kg
For your height
BMI Scale
What is the BMI Calculator?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening tool that relates weight to height. It is not a perfect measure of body composition (it doesn't distinguish muscle from fat) but it is a useful starting point. For Asian Indians, body fat percentages are higher at any given BMI compared to Caucasians, so ICMR and WHO-Asia recommend lower cutoffs for classifying overweight and obese.
Formula
BMI = weight (kg) / height² (m)- w
- = Weight in kilograms
- h
- = Height in metres
How to use the BMI Calculator
- 1
Enter your weight
Weight in kilograms (or pounds if using imperial mode).
- 2
Enter your height
Height in centimetres (or feet/inches if using imperial mode).
- 3
Review your BMI
The calculator shows your BMI value plus classification under both WHO global and Asian-Indian cutoffs.
- 4
Check additional metrics
For a fuller picture, combine BMI with waist circumference (Asian-Indian cutoff: >90 cm men, >80 cm women) and body fat percentage if available.
Reviewed by
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Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy BMI for Asian Indians?
Per ICMR and WHO-Asia guidelines: 18.5-22.9 is normal, 23-24.9 is overweight, 25+ is obese. Global WHO standards (18.5-24.9 normal, 25-29.9 overweight, 30+ obese) underestimate cardiometabolic risk in Asian Indians because at any given BMI, Asian Indians have higher body fat percentage and higher visceral fat.
Is BMI accurate for muscular people?
No. BMI cannot distinguish muscle from fat, so a muscular athlete can have a BMI in the "overweight" range while being very healthy. For muscular individuals, measurements like waist circumference, body fat percentage (DEXA or skinfold), and waist-to-hip ratio are more informative.
What is the ideal BMI range?
18.5-22.9 for Asian Indians (ICMR), or 18.5-24.9 for the general WHO population. Below 18.5 is underweight and associated with nutritional deficiencies and weaker immunity. Above the normal range increases risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and some cancers.
Can BMI predict health risks?
BMI correlates with population-level risk of metabolic disease but is a poor predictor for individuals. Two people with the same BMI can have very different health risks depending on body fat distribution (visceral vs subcutaneous), muscle mass, fitness level, and genetics. BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic one.
What BMI is considered obese in India?
Per Asian-Indian cutoffs: BMI ≥ 25 is obese. BMI 23-24.9 is overweight (below the obese threshold but elevated cardiometabolic risk). These cutoffs were adopted by the Indian government health guidelines and are used by AIIMS, Apollo, and Max Healthcare for clinical assessments.
Sources
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