What is a healthy BMI range?

According to WHO, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25–29.9 is overweight, and 30 or above is obese.

How is BMI calculated?

BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height (m)². For example, a person weighing 70 kg with height 1.75 m has BMI = 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) = 22.9.

Is BMI accurate for all body types?

BMI is a general screening tool. It may not be accurate for athletes (high muscle mass), elderly, or pregnant women. Always consult a doctor for health assessment.

What BMI is considered obese in India?

In India, some health guidelines use a lower threshold. BMI above 25 is considered overweight and above 27.5 is obese for Asian populations.

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⚖️ BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index and check your weight category according to WHO standards.

Weight (kg)

Height (cm)

Age

💡 BMI = Weight(kg) ÷ Height(m)². Normal range: 18.5–24.9. Consult a doctor for health advice.

Below 18.5 — Underweight

18.5–24.9 — Normal weight

25.0–29.9 — Overweight

30.0+ — Obese

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What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's height and weight. It is a widely used screening tool to identify whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. BMI was developed by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet in the 1830s and is still used globally by WHO and healthcare providers as a quick health indicator.

BMI Formula

BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ [Height (m)]²
Example: 70 kg ÷ (1.75 m)² = 70 ÷ 3.0625 = 22.86

BMI Categories (WHO Standards)

Below 18.5 → Underweight — May indicate malnutrition or eating disorder
18.5 – 24.9 → Normal Weight — Healthy range for most adults
25.0 – 29.9 → Overweight — Increased risk of heart disease, diabetes
30.0 – 34.9 → Obese Class I — High risk, lifestyle changes needed
35.0 – 39.9 → Obese Class II — Very high risk, medical intervention advised
40.0 and above → Obese Class III — Extreme risk, surgical options may be considered

BMI for Indian Population

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Asian BMI Cutoffs

Indians and South Asians have higher body fat percentage at the same BMI. Indian health guidelines consider BMI above 23 as overweight and above 27.5 as obese.

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BMI Limitations

BMI doesn't distinguish muscle from fat. A bodybuilder may show BMI of 30 (obese) while being perfectly healthy. Use BMI alongside waist circumference and body fat % for better assessment.

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BMI and Age

For adults 20+, standard BMI applies. For children and teens (2–19), BMI is age and gender specific using growth charts. For seniors 65+, slightly higher BMI (25–27) may be protective.

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Healthy BMI Goals

Aim to stay in the 18.5–22.9 range for best health outcomes. Even losing 5–10% of body weight if overweight significantly reduces risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Beyond BMI — Better Health Indicators

Waist Circumference: Men above 90 cm and women above 80 cm waist measurement indicate abdominal obesity, a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease than BMI alone.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio: More accurate for assessing fat distribution risk. Values above 0.9 (men) and 0.85 (women) indicate high risk.

Body Fat Percentage: The most accurate measure. Healthy range: 10–20% for men, 18–28% for women. Requires DEXA scan or bioelectrical impedance for measurement.