How to use this calculator
Enter your height and weight, switching units if you prefer feet/inches or pounds. Your BMI, weight category and healthy weight range appear instantly. Use the Asian (for Nepalis) scale by default; switch to WHO standard to compare with the global chart.
Why Nepalis should use the Asian BMI cut-offs
For the same BMI, South Asians — including Nepalis — tend to carry more body fat, especially around the abdomen, than European populations, and develop type-2 diabetes and heart disease at a lower BMI. Because of this, a 2004 WHO expert consultation set lower “action point” cut-offs for Asian populations. A BMI of 24 looks healthy on the global chart but is already in the overweight range for Nepalis.
BMI categories — Asian scale (used here by default)
| BMI (kg/m²) | Category | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | Increased risk |
| 18.5 – 22.9 | Normal (healthy) | Acceptable |
| 23.0 – 27.4 | Overweight | Increased risk |
| 27.5 and above | Obese | High risk |
BMI categories — WHO standard (global)
| BMI (kg/m²) | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and above | Obese |
BMI is only a screening tool
BMI does not separate muscle from fat or show where fat sits, so it can misclassify very muscular or older people. For South Asians, waist circumference matters too: over 90 cm for men and 80 cm for women suggests abdominal obesity even at a normal BMI. This calculator is for non-pregnant adults aged 18+; it is not for children, pregnancy or as a medical diagnosis.
Sources & disclaimer
Cut-offs as published by the World Health Organization. Asian action points (overweight 23, obesity 27.5) come from the WHO Expert Consultation, Lancet 2004; standard global categories from WHO. This tool gives general information, not medical advice — please confirm any health decision with a qualified health professional.
- WHO Expert Consultation — appropriate BMI for Asian populations (Lancet 2004)
- WHO — standard BMI classification
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Frequently asked questions
How is BMI calculated?
BMI (Body Mass Index) is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²). For example, 65 kg and 1.70 m gives 65 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) = 22.5. This calculator does the maths for you and also accepts feet/inches and pounds.
Which BMI scale should Nepalis use?
The Asian scale. The WHO recommends lower BMI cut-offs for Asian populations — overweight at 23 and obesity at 27.5 — because South Asians, including Nepalis, develop diabetes and heart-disease risk at a lower BMI than European populations. A BMI of 24 is 'normal' on the global chart but already 'overweight' on the Asian chart.
What is a healthy BMI for a Nepali adult?
On the Asian scale used here by default, a healthy BMI is about 18.5 to 22.9. Below 18.5 is underweight, 23 to 27.4 is overweight, and 27.5 or above is obese.
Is BMI accurate?
BMI is a useful, quick screening tool, but it is not a complete measure of health. It does not distinguish muscle from fat or show where fat is stored, so very muscular people can read as 'overweight'. For South Asians, waist circumference (over 90 cm for men, 80 cm for women suggests abdominal obesity) adds important information.
Does BMI work for children or during pregnancy?
No. This calculator is for non-pregnant adults aged 18 and over. Children and teenagers use age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles, and BMI is not a valid measure during pregnancy. Consult a health professional for those cases.
Is my height and weight saved?
No. The calculation runs entirely in your browser and nothing is uploaded or stored on a server.