What is my BMI? The chart built for South Asian bodies
Your BMI
—
on the Asian scale
BMI does not see where the weight sits. Why the cut-offs are lower for South Asian bodies, and what makes belly fat stubborn.
The two charts, side by side
| Band | Asian cut-offs (WHO) | Standard chart |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | below 18.5 | below 18.5 |
| Healthy | 18.5 – 22.9 | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 23 – 27.4 | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obese | 27.5 and above | 30 and above |
Waist: for South Asian women, 80 cm or more is where risk rises; for men, 90 cm. A waist more than half your height points the same way, whatever the BMI says.
Questions people ask
Why is my BMI 'overweight' here but 'normal' on other calculators?
Most calculators use the standard chart, where healthy runs to 24.9. The WHO recommends lower cut-offs for Asian populations because type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome begin appearing at a BMI of around 23. This page shows both, and says which is which.
Is BMI accurate for measuring belly fat?
No. BMI compares weight to height and says nothing about where the weight is. Two people with the same BMI can carry it very differently. That is why this calculator asks for your waist as well — for South Asian women, a waist over 80 cm is a clearer signal than the BMI number.
How do I measure my waist properly?
In the morning, before eating, with the tape halfway between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hip bones — usually just above the belly button. Breathe out normally and do not pull the tape tight.
Number not where you want it?
Send “FIT” and Eman will ask what you eat and what you have tried before suggesting anything.
Where the numbers come from
Nutrition guidance supports your care — it does not replace medical advice. For diagnosis, medication or clinical decisions, speak to your doctor.