Know your BMI
Enter your height and weight — your BMI shows up right away, and on Indian (South Asian) cut-offs. These are the cut-offs ICMR and the Indian obesity guidelines follow, and they sit below the WHO's international numbers.
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Your BMI
Indian cut-offs: Underweight < 18.5 · Normal 18.5–22.9 · Overweight 23–24.9 · Obese ≥ 25.
BMI is only a ratio of height to weight. It does not look at muscle mass or body composition — a gym-going person's BMI can read high even with low body fat, and someone at a "normal" BMI can still carry a lot of belly fat.
Why are the BMI cut-offs different for Indians?
The BMI formula is straightforward — weight (kg) divided by the square of height (metres). What differs is what it means. The WHO's international cut-offs put overweight at 25 and obesity at 30, but those numbers understate the risk for South Asians. That is exactly why India uses 23 and 25.
Research shows again and again that at the same BMI, Indians carry a higher body fat percentage, more of that fat sits deep in the abdomen (visceral fat), and insulin resistance sets in earlier. Which means a BMI of 24 — perfectly "normal" on an international chart — already signals raised risk of type 2 diabetes, fatty liver and high blood pressure for an Indian adult. It is on this evidence that ICMR and the Indian consensus guidelines set overweight at 23 and obesity at 25.
The practical takeaway is this: if your BMI is between 23 and 25, there is no need to panic — but it is a signal to get your waist circumference, fasting sugar and lipid profile checked. And if your BMI is normal but your tummy has grown, those same tests are just as useful. BMI starts the conversation; it does not end it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal BMI for Indians?
For Indian and South Asian adults the healthy range is 18.5–22.9. From 23–24.9 is overweight, and above 25 is considered obese. These numbers sit below the WHO's 25 and 30 because at the same BMI we carry more body fat and higher metabolic risk.
Is BMI an accurate measure?
BMI is a screening number, not a diagnosis. It cannot tell muscle, fat and bone apart. An athlete's BMI can read high without any extra fat, and people at a "normal" BMI can still carry high visceral fat. Read it alongside waist circumference and blood tests.
What else should I check along with BMI?
Waist circumference (men < 90 cm, women < 80 cm), waist-to-height ratio (under 0.5), fasting blood sugar or HbA1c, a lipid profile and blood pressure. Together these show your metabolic health far better.
This is an estimate, not medical advice. BMI is a general screening tool and needs a different interpretation during pregnancy, for growing children, athletes, very elderly people or anyone with a medical condition. Please talk to your doctor or a Registered Dietitian before making any decision based on your numbers.
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