Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool used to classify individuals based on their weight relative to height. It is calculated
BMI = Weight (kg) / [Height (m) × Height (m)]
BMI categories help identify underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity, which are key indicators of health risks such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension.
BMI Calculator
The BMI classifications differ between Asian and Western populations due to variations in body composition and associated health risks.
Asians tend to have a higher percentage of body fat compared to Western individuals at the same BMI, leading to a greater risk of obesity-related diseases at lower BMI thresholds.
- Western Population:
- Normal BMI: 18.5–24.9
- Overweight: 25–29.9
- Obesity: ≥ 30 (divided into Class I, II, III)
- Asian Population:
- Normal BMI: 18.5–22.9
- Overweight: 23.0–27.4
- Obesity: ≥ 27.5 (divided into Class I, II, III)
For Asians, overweight begins at a BMI of 23, and obesity starts at 27.5, compared to 25 and 30 for Western populations.
These adjustments are crucial for better risk assessment and targeted interventions for chronic diseases.