BMI calculator with Indian cut-offs
Body mass index (BMI) is weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Indians develop diabetes and heart disease at lower BMIs than Europeans, so Indian guidelines use lower cut-offs: overweight from 23 and obese from 25. This calculator shows both.
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BMI categories
| Category | Asian-Indian cut-off | WHO international |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 | Below 18.5 |
| Normal | 18.5 to 22.9 | 18.5 to 24.9 |
| Overweight | 23 to 24.9 | 25 to 29.9 |
| Obese | 25 or more | 30 or more |
How it's calculated
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². The Asian-Indian cut-offs come from the 2009 Indian consensus guidelines on obesity, which lowered them because of higher body fat and metabolic risk at the same BMI.
BMI does not measure body fat directly: very muscular people can score high, and older people can score normal while carrying too much fat. Waist size adds useful information (risk rises above 90 cm for Indian men and 80 cm for Indian women).
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal BMI for Indians?
18.5 to 22.9. Indian guidelines treat 23 to 24.9 as overweight and 25 or more as obese, lower than the WHO international cut-offs.
Is BMI accurate?
It is a quick screening number, not a diagnosis. It does not tell muscle from fat; waist size and a doctor's assessment add to it.
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Track your weight in QueroCuraLast updated 03 November 2026.