Understanding BMI 18.5–22.9 in Asian-Population Reference Guidance

Asian-Population BMI Guidelines & Reference Cutoffs

Published reference guidelines from WHO expert consultations indicate that Asian and South Asian populations exhibit statistical risk indicators at lower BMI cutoffs compared to European reference populations.

Asian-Population Reference Range: 18.5 to 22.9 kg/m²

While Western reference standards mark overweight at 25.0 kg/m², the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office established that 18.5 to 22.9 kg/m² represents a reference healthy weight range for South Asian adults. BMI 18.5–22.9 is an Asian-population reference range used in some guidance; it should not be interpreted as a universal measure of an individual's healthiest weight.

• Healthy Reference Range: 18.5 – 22.9 kg/m²
• Overweight Action Threshold: ≥ 23.0 kg/m²
• Obesity Class I Threshold: ≥ 27.5 kg/m²