Health tool
BMI Calculator (Asian-Indian cut-offs)
Indians develop metabolic risk at a lower BMI than Western populations. This calculator uses the Asian-Indian thresholds.
Why Indian BMI cut-offs are lower
At the same BMI, South Asians carry more visceral fat and less muscle than white European populations, and develop insulin resistance, diabetes and heart disease at lower weights. Indian guidelines therefore set overweight at a BMI of 23 and obesity at 25, rather than 25 and 30.
BMI also cannot distinguish muscle from fat. Waist circumference — above 90 cm in men and 80 cm in women — is often the more meaningful number, which is why it is included here.
Want these numbers interpreted properly?
A calculator gives a number; a consultation gives context. Dr. Brijmohan Arora consults at Palam Extension, Sector 7, Dwarka, New Delhi. Mon–Sat · 11 AM–2 PM & 4–8 PM.