What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from your height and weight. It is the most widely used screening tool to identify whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

BMI = Weight (kg) divided by Height (m) squared

BMI Chart — Global vs Indian Standards

Research by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) shows that South Asians have higher body fat percentage at the same BMI compared to Europeans. Indians face health risks at lower BMI values.

| Category | Global BMI | Indian BMI | |----------|-----------|------------| | Underweight | Below 18.5 | Below 18.5 | | Normal Weight | 18.5 to 24.9 | 18.5 to 22.9 | | Overweight | 25.0 to 29.9 | 23.0 to 24.9 | | Obese | 30.0 and above | 25.0 and above |

Healthy Weight Range for Indians

| Height | Healthy Weight Range | |--------|---------------------| | 5 feet (152 cm) | 43 to 53 kg | | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) | 49 to 61 kg | | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) | 52 to 65 kg | | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) | 55 to 69 kg | | 6 feet (183 cm) | 62 to 77 kg |

How to Calculate Your BMI

Use our free BMI Calculator. It supports metric (kg/cm) and imperial (lb/ft) and shows your category instantly.

Manual calculation example: 70 kg, 175 cm BMI = 70 divided by (1.75 x 1.75) = 22.9 (Normal for Indians)

Waist Circumference — Important for Indians

BMI alone does not tell the full story. Indians tend to accumulate more abdominal fat even at normal BMI:

Men: Above 90 cm is high risk
Women: Above 80 cm is high risk

What to Do If Your BMI is High?

Consult a doctor — BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis
Increase physical activity — 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
Improve diet — reduce refined carbs and sugar, increase protein
Monitor regularly — track BMI monthly to see progress

Conclusion

For Indians, aim for a BMI between 18.5 and 22.9. Calculate your BMI instantly using our free BMI Calculator.