Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used method to measure whether a person’s weight is appropriate for their height. The formula is simple: BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height² (m²) Example: 70 kg, 6 feet tall → BMI = 20.9, considered healthy.
– 18.5 – 24.9: Healthy – Below 18.5: Underweight – 25+ : Overweight or obesity
BMI doesn’t measure abdominal fat, which is the most dangerous type of obesity, particularly for Indians. Experts caution that belly fat can be a hidden health risk even if BMI appears normal.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) suggests measuring waist circumference: – Men > 90 cm → High risk – Women > 80 cm → High risk
Weight ranges vary by height. Example ranges: – 165 cm / 5’5″ → Women: 51.2–62.6 kg | Men: 55.3–68.0 kg – 180 cm / 5’11″ → Women: 63.5–77.5 kg | Men: 70.3–85.7 kg
– 137 cm / 4’6″ → Women & Men: 28.5–34.9 kg – 152 cm / 5’0″ → Women: 40.8–49.9 kg | Men: 43.1–53.0 kg
– 193 cm / 6’4″ → Women: 73.5–89.8 kg | Men: 82.5–100.6 kg – 195 cm / 6’5″ → Women: 75.7–92.5 kg | Men: 84.8–103.8 kg
Ideal weight also depends on: – Muscle mass – Bone density – Lifestyle and physical activity – Underlying health conditions
BMI provides a helpful guideline, but abdominal fat, muscle, and lifestyle factors should also be considered. Maintaining a balance between height and weight is a key indicator of overall health, not just appearance.