BMI Calculator
Body Mass Index Calculator for Indian Population
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Calculate Your BMI
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BMI Categories for Indian/Asian Population
| BMI Range | Category | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| < 18.5 | Underweight | Risk of nutritional deficiency |
| 18.5 – 22.9 | Normal | Low risk |
| 23.0 – 24.9 | Overweight | Moderate risk |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Obese Class I | High risk |
| ≥ 30.0 | Obese Class II | Very high risk |
Why Different BMI Categories for Indians?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and medical research have established that Asian populations, including Indians, have different body composition compared to Western populations. Indians tend to have:
Therefore, the BMI cutoff points have been revised downward for Asian populations to better reflect health risks. What is considered “overweight” for Indians starts at BMI 23, compared to BMI 25 for Western populations.
Important Notes:
- BMI is a screening tool and not a diagnostic measure
- It doesn’t account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution
- Consult healthcare professionals for comprehensive health assessment
- Regular exercise and balanced nutrition are key regardless of BMI
Sources and References:
- WHO Expert Consultation. “Appropriate body-mass index for Asian populations and its implications for policy and intervention strategies.” The Lancet 363.9403 (2004): 157-163.
- Misra, Anoop, et al. “Consensus statement for diagnosis of obesity, abdominal obesity and the metabolic syndrome for Asian Indians.” Journal of Association of Physicians of India 57 (2009): 163-170.
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Guidelines on Management of Type 2 Diabetes, 2018.
- Ramachandran, Ambady, et al. “Metabolic syndrome in urban Asian Indian adults—a population study using modified ATP III criteria.” Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 60.3 (2003): 199-204.
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India – National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS).