BMI is calculated as weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²). Standard adult cut-offs: underweight < 18.5, healthy weight 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥ 30. Asian-specific cut-offs are lower — overweight from ≥ 23, obese from ≥ 27.5 — because metabolic risk rises at lower BMI values in South and East Asian populations.
BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It doesn’t distinguish muscle from fat, or where fat is distributed. Two people with the same BMI can have very different metabolic risk profiles. Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio add useful context, particularly for abdominal fat assessment.
Use the BMI calculator for a quick estimate, and discuss what your result means for you with a healthcare professional.