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BMI Calculator

Calculate Body Mass Index using WHO Asian guidelines — specifically adjusted for Indian body composition

Weight (kg)

Height (cm)

Age

Gender

BMI (kg/m²)

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Underweight
<18.5Normal
18.5–22.9Overweight
23–27.4Obese I
27.5–32.4Obese II
≥32.5

HEALTHY WEIGHT RANGE FOR YOUR HEIGHT

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Weight to Lose

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Ideal Weight

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BMI Prime

Uses WHO Asian BMI cut-offs (Normal: 18.5–22.9 | Overweight: 23–27.4 | Obese: ≥27.5) instead of Western standards, as South Asians have higher metabolic risk at lower BMI. BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure.

Why Indian BMI Standards are Different

The standard Western BMI classification uses "Overweight" for BMI ≥ 25 and "Obese" for ≥ 30. However, research has consistently shown that South Asians, including Indians, develop metabolic complications like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease at significantly lower BMI levels than Caucasians.

The WHO Expert Consultation (2004) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommend lower cut-off points for Indians: Normal BMI: 18.5–22.9, Overweight: 23–27.4, Obese: ≥27.5. Our calculator uses these India-specific thresholds by default.

BMI Limitations You Should Know

Muscle vs fat: BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes and bodybuilders often have high BMI despite being very healthy. A 75 kg person with 15% body fat is very different from a 75 kg person with 35% body fat.
Age factor: BMI tends to underestimate body fat in older adults who have lost muscle mass (sarcopenia). A 60-year-old with "normal" BMI may still have high body fat percentage.
Gender differences: Women naturally carry more body fat than men at the same BMI due to hormonal differences. BMI does not account for this.
Regional fat distribution: Indians tend to carry more visceral (abdominal) fat, which is more metabolically dangerous than subcutaneous fat. Waist circumference (normal: <80 cm women, <90 cm men for Indians) is often a better indicator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Using WHO Asian guidelines recommended for South Asians: Underweight is below 18.5, Normal is 18.5–22.9, Overweight is 23–27.4, and Obese is 27.5 and above. Western standards use 25 and 30 as cut-offs, which are too lenient for Indians.

BMI is interpreted differently for children using age and sex-specific percentile charts. Our adult BMI calculator is not appropriate for children under 18. Use a pediatric BMI-for-age chart instead.

BMI is just one indicator. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian for proper assessment. A combination of BMI, waist circumference, blood sugar, and lipid profile gives a much more complete picture of your metabolic health.

A safe rate of weight loss is 0.5–1 kg per week through a calorie deficit of 500–750 kcal/day combined with regular physical activity. Crash diets or extreme restriction are counterproductive and dangerous. Always consult a doctor before starting a weight-loss program.