-
What is Body Mass Index?
Body mass index (BMI) is a statistical measure of body weight based on a person's weight and height. Though it does not actually measure the percentage of body fat, it is used to estimate a healthy body weight based on a person's height.
-
What is it used for?
BMI is used to identify weight problems within a population, usually whether individuals are underweight, overweight or obese. BMI is frequently used to assess how much an individual's body weight departs from what is normal or desirable for a person of his or her height. The excess weight or deficiency may, in part, be accounted for by body fat although other factors such as muscularity also affect BMI.
-
BMI Classification Chart
Classification Asians Risk of co-morbidities Underweight < 18.5 Low Normal range 18.5 - 22.9 Average Overweight > 23 Increased* Obese I > 25 Moderate** Obese II > 30 Severe***
As per MOS-India Guidelines *, **, *** degree of risk of co-morbidities.
