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Standard vs. Asian cutoffs
| Category | Standard BMI | Asian BMI |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 | Below 18.5 |
| Healthy weight | 18.5–24.9 | 18.5–22.9 |
| Overweight | 25–29.9 | 23–27.4 |
| Obesity | 30 and above | 27.5 and above |
The lower thresholds come from a 2004 World Health Organization expert consultation, which identified 23 and 27.5 as "public health action points" for Asian populations.1
Who the lower cutoffs apply to
- In the UK, NICE recommends the lower thresholds for adults of South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean family background.2
- In the US, the American Diabetes Association recommends diabetes screening for Asian American adults from a BMI of 23, rather than 25.
- Some Asian countries use their own cutoffs. For example, Japan defines obesity as a BMI of 25 or more.
Why risk starts at a lower BMI
At the same BMI, people of Asian descent tend to have more body fat and more fat around the abdomen and organs than people of European descent.1 That kind of fat is closely linked with insulin resistance. Waist size is a useful second check: how to calculate BMI for women and for men include a waist and body-fat tool.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMI formula different for Asians?
No. The formula is the same: weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². Only the cutoffs used to interpret it are lower.
What is a healthy BMI for an Asian adult?
Under the lower cutoffs, 18.5 to 22.9. Your doctor may use either scale.
Do the Asian cutoffs apply to children?
No. Children and teens use CDC percentiles by age and sex. BMI for kids.
Sources
This page is for education and is not medical advice. Talk with a healthcare professional about your weight and health.
