Normal BMI Range for Indians: Why Asia-Specific Cut-offs Matter
If you've ever used a BMI calculator, you've probably seen the standard ranges: underweight below 18.5, normal from 18.5-24.9, overweight from 25-29.9, and obese above 30. But here's what most calculators don't tell you: these ranges were developed for Western populations and don't accurately reflect health risks for Indians and other Asians.
Key Takeaway
Indians should use BMI cut-offs that are 2-3 points lower than WHO standards. A BMI of 23 for an Indian is equivalent to a BMI of 25 for a Caucasian in terms of health risk.
The India-Specific BMI Ranges
| Category | WHO (Western) | India/Asia |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 | < 18.5 |
| Normal | 18.5 - 24.9 | 18.5 - 22.9 |
| Overweight | 25 - 29.9 | 23 - 24.9 |
| Obese | ≥ 30 | ≥ 25 |
Why Are Indians at Higher Risk?
Research shows that Indians and other South Asians have several characteristics that increase health risks at lower BMI levels:
- 1Higher body fat percentage - At the same BMI, Indians have 3-5% more body fat than Caucasians
- 2More visceral fat - Indians accumulate more fat around organs (belly fat), which is more dangerous
- 3Genetic predisposition - Higher rates of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
- 4Smaller muscle mass - Less lean body mass compared to Western populations
What Should You Do?
Target BMI for Indians
18.5 - 22.9
Optimal range for health
Target Waist (Men)
< 90 cm
Below 35 inches
3 Actionable Steps
- 1Check your BMI using India-specific ranges with our BMI Calculator
- 2Measure your waist at the navel - this is often more important than BMI
- 3Focus on body composition - building muscle and reducing fat matters more than just weight
The Bottom Line
Don't be fooled by a "normal" BMI using Western standards. If you're Indian and your BMI is 23 or above, you may already be at increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic conditions. Use the India-specific ranges, track your waist circumference, and focus on overall fitness rather than just the number on the scale.
Check Your BMI Now
Use our free BMI calculator with India-specific cut-offs to get an accurate health assessment.
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