India’s average BMI may fall within the global “normal” range, but health risks begin earlier for Indians. Here’s why national guidelines use lower cut-offs for overweight and obesity and what that means for diabetes and heart disease risk.
National guidelines classify a BMI of 18.5-22.9 as normal
New Delhi: Body Mass Index (BMI) remains one of the simplest tools to assess whether a person’s weight is appropriate for their height. Globally, the World Health Organization classifies a BMI of 18.5-24.9 as normal, 25-29.9 as overweight, and 30 or above as obese.
However, India follows a different yardstick. Health experts say Indians face metabolic risks such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels compared to Western populations. As a result, national guidelines classify a BMI of 18.5-22.9 as normal, 23-24.9 as overweight, and 25 or above as obese.
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Large-scale surveys suggest that the average BMI of Indian adults ranges between 21 and 23- seemingly within the global “normal” category. Yet this average masks sharp differences between urban and rural populations.
Urban residents, influenced by sedentary jobs, processed foods, and high stress, are witnessing rising obesity rates. At the same time, several rural and low-income communities continue to battle undernutrition. This dual burden highlights the complexity of India’s health landscape.
The key reason for India’s stricter BMI thresholds lies in body composition. South Asians tend to accumulate higher levels of visceral fat- fat stored around internal organs even at lower body weights. This type of fat is strongly linked to insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disorders.
Because these risks appear earlier, relying solely on global BMI standards could delay diagnosis and preventive care for millions.
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While BMI is a cost-effective screening tool, it does not account for muscle mass or fat distribution. Experts recommend pairing BMI checks with waist circumference measurements, regular blood sugar testing, and cholesterol screening.
As India grapples with rising metabolic disorders alongside persistent malnutrition, tailored BMI guidelines offer an opportunity for earlier intervention. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and adopting balanced eating habits remain central to reducing long-term health risks. The message is clear: when it comes to BMI, one size does not fit all.
