BMI for Pakistanis: Why Healthy Weight Starts Lower for South Asians
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². The standard WHO ranges call 18.5–24.9 healthy, but a WHO expert consultation found South Asians face higher risk of diabetes and heart disease at lower BMIs, suggesting public-health action points of 23 (increased risk) and 27.5 (high risk). Pakistanis should also watch waist size.
- BMI = kg ÷ m².
- WHO: overweight 25+, obese 30+.
- Asian action points: 23 (increased risk) and 27.5 (high risk).
- Waist size adds important information for South Asians.
WHO vs Asian BMI cut-offs
| BMI | WHO international | Risk for Asian populations |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 22.9 | Healthy | Lower risk |
| 23 – 24.9 | Healthy | Increased risk |
| 25 – 27.4 | Overweight | Increased risk |
| 27.5 – 29.9 | Overweight | High risk |
| 30 and above | Obese | High risk |
Example
A man who is 170 cm tall and weighs 70 kg has a BMI of 70 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) = 24.2. On the international scale that is "healthy", but on the Asian action points it is in the increased-risk band — a signal to watch diet, activity and waist size.
Why the difference?
At the same BMI, South Asians tend to have more body fat and more fat around the abdomen than Europeans. Abdominal fat is closely linked to insulin resistance, so type 2 diabetes — very common in Pakistan — can appear at lower body weights.
Simple steps that help
- Walk briskly for 30 minutes on most days.
- Cut sugary drinks and reduce cooking oil and ghee.
- Fill half your plate with vegetables or salad and add daal or other protein.
- Get blood sugar and blood pressure checked yearly after 30, earlier with a family history.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy BMI for Pakistani adults?
On the WHO scale 18.5–24.9 is healthy, but for South Asians risk starts rising from about 23, so staying between 18.5 and 22.9 is a safer target for many people.
Is BMI accurate for bodybuilders?
No. BMI cannot tell muscle from fat, so very muscular people can show a high BMI while being lean.
Written and fact-checked by the PakCalc editorial team against the sources below. Rules change — if you spot something out of date, please tell us.