BMI (Body Mass Index) shows whether your weight is in a healthy range for your height. This calculator uses South Asian standards, which are more accurate for Pakistani and Indian body types.
Most calculators in the world treat overweight as starting at a BMI of 25. But WHO research shows that South Asian (Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi) people face a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease at a lower BMI — so the limits are different for us:
| Category | South Asian BMI | Global BMI |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 | < 18.5 |
| Normal (healthy) | 18.5 – 22.9 | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 23 – 27.4 | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obese | 27.5+ | 30+ |
Note: BMI is only an estimate, not a full medical diagnosis. Talk to a doctor before making any decision about your weight.
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (metres)². Example: at 70kg and 175cm (1.75m), BMI = 70 ÷ 3.0625 ≈ 22.9.
Under South Asian standards, 18.5 to 22.9 is normal. A BMI of 23 or more points towards weight gain.
No — these cutoffs are for adults. For children, age and percentile charts are used.