Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of an adult’s body fat based on height and weight. It is used as an indicator of overall health.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), close to 3 million people die globally each year due to health complications from being overweight. A BMI score expresses the relationship between an adult’s height and weight – it is not a suitable gauge for children or the elderly. While BMI does not take into consideration age, gender or ethnicity and can be thrown off by pregnancy or high muscle mass, it is one possible indicator, among others, of general health. A higher than normal BMI illustrates a propensity to develop a range of medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, several types of cancer, as well as sleep apnea among others.

BMI may also highlight health complications that result from being underweight, such as osteoporosis, anaemia and the risk of malnutrition.
Ask to have your BMI checked during your next doctor’s visit or work it out using an online BMI calculator.

Individuals should maintain a BMI in the range of 18.5–24.9 kg/㎡, which is considered to be normal weight according to WHO guidelines.

BMI < 18.5 kg/㎡ (Underweight)

BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/㎡  (Normal Weight)

BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/㎡ (Overweight)

BMI 30.0–34.9 kg/㎡ (Class 1 Obesity)

BMI 35.0–39.9 kg/㎡ (Class 2 Obesity)

BMI > 40 kg/㎡ (Class 3 Obesity)