What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple number that shows whether your weight is in a healthy range for your height. In this video, Dr. Vikram Lotwala, a bariatric surgeon in Surat, explains what BMI is, why it matters for your health, and why BMI for Indians is read differently from Western charts.

How to calculate your BMI

BMI = weight in kilograms ÷ (height in metres × height in metres)

For example, a person who weighs 85 kg and is 1.65 m tall has a BMI of 85 ÷ (1.65 × 1.65) = 31.2.

BMI for Indians: what your number means

Asian Indians tend to develop diabetes and heart disease at a lower BMI than Western populations, so Indian guidelines use lower cut-offs:

• Below 18.5 - Underweight
• 18.5 to 22.9 - Normal
• 23 to 24.9 - Overweight
• 25 and above - Obese

Under the standard Western chart, the same person with a BMI of 24 would be called "normal." Under the guidelines for BMI for Indians, they are already overweight.

Limits of BMI 

BMI does not measure body fat directly. A muscular person can have a high BMI, and someone with a normal BMI can still carry harmful fat around the waist. That is why doctors also look at waist size and health conditions like diabetes and blood pressure.

Book a consultation with Dr. Vikram Lotwala to understand your BMI for Indians and your weight loss options, including bariatric surgery, in Surat.

Dr. Vikram Lotwala
Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgeon
Wings Hospital, 1st Floor, Abhilasha Apartments, Madhuvan Circle, L P Savani Road, Surat, Gujarat
Phone: +91 99099 66056

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a healthy BMI for Indians?

Under Indian guidelines, a BMI between 18.5 and 22.9 is considered normal.

Is BMI the same for men, women and children?

For adults, the same formula and cut-offs are used for both men and women. Children and teenagers are assessed differently, using BMI charts based on their age and sex.

Is BMI accurate for everyone?

Not always. BMI can overestimate body fat in muscular people and athletes, and underestimate it in older adults who have lost muscle. It is also not used during pregnancy. Your doctor will look at other measures, such as waist size, along with BMI.

How much weight do I need to lose to lower my BMI?

It depends on your height. For example, for someone who is 1.65 m tall, losing about 2.7 kg lowers BMI by roughly one point. Your doctor can help you set a realistic target.

Does a high BMI mean I need bariatric surgery?

Not necessarily. Eligibility depends on BMI along with obesity-related health problems and previous weight loss attempts. A bariatric surgeon can assess this during consultation.