Enter height & weight → instant BMI with Indian/Asian health categories
| Category | Indian BMI | Global BMI | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 | Below 18.5 | High (malnutrition, anaemia) |
| Normal weight ✅ | 18.5 – 22.9 | 18.5 – 24.9 | Low (optimal range) |
| Overweight | 23.0 – 27.4 | 25.0 – 29.9 | Moderate (watch diet) |
| Obese Class I | 27.5 – 32.4 | 30.0 – 34.9 | High (risk of diabetes, BP) |
| Obese Class II+ | 32.5 and above | 35.0 and above | Very High |
Indian/Asian cutoffs recommended by WHO and ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research). Asians develop obesity-related diseases at lower BMI values than Caucasians.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated as weight in kg divided by the square of height in metres: BMI = kg ÷ m². A person weighing 70 kg and 170 cm tall has BMI = 70 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) = 70 ÷ 2.89 = 24.2.
For Indians and other South Asians, standard Western BMI cutoffs are not accurate. Research shows that Indians have higher body fat percentage and greater risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease at lower BMI values. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and WHO recommend that for Indians, overweight starts at BMI 23 (not 25) and obesity at BMI 27.5 (not 30).
This means many Indians who appear "normal" by Western BMI standards are actually at elevated health risk. This calculator uses the Indian-specific cutoffs to give you an accurate health assessment.
BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. It does not account for muscle mass (athletes may have high BMI but low body fat), age-related fat distribution, or pregnancy. A trained doctor or nutritionist should assess your overall health, not just BMI. However, BMI remains one of the simplest and most useful indicators for general population health screening.