By Balveer Singh Rathore, Editor · Last updated: September 26, 2026 · How we write
For Asian Indians, a normal BMI is 18.0–22.9 kg/m², overweight is 23.0–24.9 and obesity starts at 25, according to Indian consensus guidelines. These cut-offs are lower than the global WHO ones (25 and 30) because Indians tend to carry more body fat and develop diabetes and heart disease at lower BMIs. Check your waist size too.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, are pregnant or take medication, talk to your doctor before changing your diet, exercise or supplements. Read our disclaimer.
What is BMI?
Body mass index (BMI) is your weight in kilograms divided by the square of your height in metres. It’s a quick screening number, not a diagnosis: it doesn’t separate fat from muscle or show where fat sits in the body.
Formula: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ [height (m) × height (m)]
Example: 65 kg and 165 cm → 65 ÷ (1.65 × 1.65) = 65 ÷ 2.72 = 23.9. For an Indian adult, that’s in the overweight range, though it would be “normal” by global cut-offs.
BMI range for Indians vs the global range
| Category | BMI for Asian Indians (2009 consensus) | Global WHO BMI |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.0 | Below 18.5 |
| Normal | 18.0–22.9 | 18.5–24.9 |
| Overweight | 23.0–24.9 | 25.0–29.9 |
| Obese | 25 and above | 30 and above |
Why is the healthy BMI lower for Indians?
Research has repeatedly found that at the same BMI, Asian Indians tend to have more body fat, especially around the abdomen, and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease than white Europeans. A 2004 WHO expert consultation in The Lancet noted this for Asian populations and suggested extra public-health action points at a BMI of 23 and 27.5. Indian experts then set the lower cut-offs above in a 2009 consensus statement.
BMI chart for Indians (height and weight)
| Height | Underweight | Normal (BMI 18–22.9) | Overweight (23–24.9) | Obese (25+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 cm (4′11″) | below 40 kg | 40–52 kg | 52–56 kg | 56 kg or more |
| 155 cm (5′1″) | below 43 kg | 43–55 kg | 55–60 kg | 60 kg or more |
| 160 cm (5′3″) | below 46 kg | 46–59 kg | 59–64 kg | 64 kg or more |
| 165 cm (5′5″) | below 49 kg | 49–62 kg | 63–68 kg | 68 kg or more |
| 170 cm (5′7″) | below 52 kg | 52–66 kg | 66–72 kg | 72 kg or more |
| 175 cm (5′9″) | below 55 kg | 55–70 kg | 70–76 kg | 77 kg or more |
| 180 cm (5′11″) | below 58 kg | 58–74 kg | 75–81 kg | 81 kg or more |
| 185 cm (6′1″) | below 62 kg | 62–78 kg | 79–85 kg | 86 kg or more |
Weights are calculated from the BMI formula and rounded. This chart is for adults aged 18 and over; children and teenagers need age- and sex-specific growth charts.
Why waist size matters as much as BMI
Many Indians have a “normal” BMI but excess belly fat, sometimes called the thin-fat phenotype. That’s why doctors also check your waist:
- Waist circumference: the 2009 Indian consensus flagged abdominal obesity at 90 cm or more for men and 80 cm or more for women.
- Waist-to-height ratio: a simple rule from the UK’s NICE is to keep your waist to less than half your height. For 165 cm, that’s under 82.5 cm.
- How to measure: stand relaxed, breathe out gently and measure around your middle, midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone.
The 2025 revised definition of obesity for Indians
In 2025, Indian experts (Misra and colleagues, with the India Obesity Commission) published a revised definition in Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome. It keeps BMI above 23 as the marker of excess fat but adds two stages:
- Stage 1: BMI above 23 without effects on daily function or obesity-related diseases.
- Stage 2: BMI above 23 plus a high waist size or waist-to-height ratio, plus physical limitations or related diseases such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Your doctor may use this to decide how intensive treatment should be.
What to do if your BMI is above 23
- Don’t panic; BMI is a screening tool. Check your waist size and get a basic health check (blood sugar, blood pressure, lipids) as your doctor advises.
- Aim to lose 5–10% of your weight over a few months with a moderate calorie deficit.
- Walk more and add strength training. Start with our walking for weight loss plan.
- Follow a balanced plan like our 7-day Indian diet plan for weight loss.
- Sleep 7 or more hours; see how to improve sleep.
If your BMI is below 18, talk to a doctor or dietitian, especially if you’ve lost weight without trying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the normal BMI for Indians?
For Asian Indian adults, a normal BMI is 18.0–22.9 kg/m², based on the 2009 Indian consensus guidelines. Overweight is 23.0–24.9 and obesity is 25 or above. These cut-offs are lower than the global WHO ranges because Indians face higher health risks at lower BMIs.
Why is BMI different for Indians?
At the same BMI, Asian Indians tend to have more body fat, particularly around the abdomen, and a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease than European populations. For this reason, Indian experts recommend lower cut-offs: 23 for overweight and 25 for obesity, instead of 25 and 30.
How do I calculate my BMI?
Divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. For example, 65 kg and 1.65 m gives 65 ÷ (1.65 × 1.65) = 23.9. For Indians, a result of 23.0–24.9 means overweight, and 25 or above means obesity.
What is the ideal weight for my height in India?
For a healthy BMI of 18–22.9, a 160 cm adult should weigh roughly 46–59 kg, and a 170 cm adult roughly 52–66 kg. Use the height-weight chart in this article. Muscle mass, age and waist size also matter, so treat these ranges as a guide.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
No. BMI doesn’t separate muscle from fat, so muscular people may score high while people with little muscle and belly fat may score normal. It’s also not used the same way for children, pregnant women or older adults. Combine BMI with waist size and a doctor’s assessment.
What waist size is healthy for Indians?
The 2009 Indian consensus flagged abdominal obesity at a waist of 90 cm or more for men and 80 cm or more for women. A simple extra check is to keep your waist to less than half your height. Measure midway between your lowest rib and hip bone.
Sources
- Misra A et al. Consensus statement for diagnosis of obesity, abdominal obesity and the metabolic syndrome for Asian Indians. J Assoc Physicians India, 2009
- WHO Expert Consultation. Appropriate body-mass index for Asian populations and its implications for policy and intervention strategies. The Lancet, 2004
- Misra A et al. Revised definition of obesity in Asian Indians living in India. Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2025
- NICE: Keep the size of your waist to less than half of your height (2022)