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Your Body Mass Index
Understanding Your Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple number calculated from your weight and height. Healthcare professionals use it as a quick screening tool to categorise body weight and estimate the risk of weight-related health conditions. For Indians, special lower thresholds are recommended because South Asians carry more body fat at the same BMI as Westerners.
| BMI Range | Category | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | Moderate |
| 18.5 – 22.9 | Normal Weight ✓ | Low |
| 23.0 – 27.4 | Overweight | Moderate |
| 27.5 and above | Obese | High |
BMI Formula
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height² (m²)
Example: 70 ÷ (1.75×1.75) = 22.9 (Healthy)
Indian Cut-offs
Overweight starts at 23, obese at 27.5 — lower than Western standards due to higher visceral fat risk in South Asians.
BMI Limitations
BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, age, or fat distribution. It is a screening tool — not a standalone diagnosis.
PCOS, Thyroid & Diabetes
Medical conditions can affect weight and metabolism. A certified dietitian should interpret your BMI in context of your condition.
How to Reach Your Healthy Weight
- 1Eat in a calorie surplus or deficit — a controlled surplus of 300–500 kcal/day supports healthy weight gain; a similar deficit supports sustainable fat loss without muscle loss.
- 2Prioritise protein at every meal — aim for 0.8–1.2 g per kg of body weight. Dal, paneer, eggs, curd, and legumes are excellent Indian sources for every meal.
- 3Strength train 3–4 days per week — resistance exercise directs calories toward lean muscle gain and prevents muscle loss during fat loss phases.
- 4Sleep 7–8 hours every night — growth hormone, essential for body composition, is predominantly secreted during deep sleep. Poor sleep disrupts weight management.
- 5Track progress weekly, not daily — weigh yourself at the same time each week. Monthly body measurements alongside BMI give the truest picture of progress.
- 6Get a blood panel done — deficiencies in iron, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and thyroid function are common in India and directly impair effective weight management.
Get Your Personalised Diet Plan — Free
Our certified Indian dietitians design a custom plan based on your BMI, health goals, food preferences, lifestyle, and medical history. No generic templates, no shortcuts.
Common Questions About BMI
Answers from DietDekho's registered dietitians to the most frequently asked questions about BMI calculation, healthy weight, and what your result means for your health.