Question 1

Is BMI accurate for Indians?

Accepted Answer

Standard WHO BMI cut-offs were established on European populations. Indians tend to have higher body fat percentages at the same BMI compared to Caucasians. The WHO Asia-Pacific taskforce recommends 23 as overweight and 27.5 as obese for South Asians. Our calculator shows both standard and Asian classifications.

Question 2

What is a healthy BMI for a woman in India?

Accepted Answer

Using Asian cut-offs, a healthy BMI for Indian women is 18.5–22.9. For standard WHO: 18.5–24.9. However, waist circumference is often a better predictor of health risk — above 80 cm for women indicates abdominal obesity, which carries independent cardiovascular risk.

Question 3

Can you have a normal BMI and still be unhealthy?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is called 'normal weight obesity' or 'skinny fat'. A person with BMI 22 but very low muscle mass and high body fat percentage can still have metabolic risk factors. Conversely, a muscular athlete with BMI 27 may be perfectly healthy. BMI is a population-level screening tool, not an individual diagnosis.

Question 4

How do I lose weight to reach a healthy BMI?

Accepted Answer

A calorie deficit of 500 kcal/day typically yields ~0.5 kg/week of fat loss. Combining diet (high protein, reduced refined carbs) with resistance training preserves muscle while losing fat. A realistic target is 0.5–1 kg/week. Consult a registered dietitian for a personalised plan, especially if you have medical conditions.

Question 5

What BMI is considered dangerously underweight?

Accepted Answer

BMI below 16.0 is classified as severely underweight and carries serious health risks including malnutrition, anaemia, hormonal disruption, and osteoporosis. BMI 16.0–16.99 is moderately underweight, and 17.0–18.49 is mildly underweight. Medical evaluation is recommended for BMI below 17.5.

BMI range	WHO category	Asian/Indian cut-off
Below 18.5	Underweight	Same
18.5 – 22.9	Normal weight	Normal (18.5–22.9)
23.0 – 24.9	Overweight (starts at 25)	Overweight (23–27.4)
25.0 – 29.9	Overweight	Obese (≥27.5)
30.0 – 34.9	Obese Class I	Obese Class I
35 – 39.9	Obese Class II	Obese Class II
≥ 40	Obese Class III	Obese Class III

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