Why are there different BMI guidelines for Asians?
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides a standard global BMI cutoff where a BMI over 25 is considered overweight. However, extensive medical research indicates that populations of South Asian and East Asian descent tend to accumulate visceral fat (fat around internal organs) at lower body weights.
Because of this, Sri Lankans and other South Asians are at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases and Type-2 Diabetes at lower BMI levels. The WHO Asian-Pacific guidelines adjust these risk thresholds to ensure early detection:
| Category | Global (WHO) BMI | Asian-Pacific BMI |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 | < 18.5 |
| Normal Weight | 18.5 - 24.9 | 18.5 - 22.9 |
| Overweight | 25.0 - 29.9 | 23.0 - 27.4 |
| Obese | ≥ 30.0 | ≥ 27.5 |
*Note: BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic of body fatness or health of an individual. Athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI without high body fat. Always consult a healthcare professional.