BMI for Pakistani Adults: Why South Asians Need Different Cut-offs
Quick answer: For South Asian adults, including Pakistanis, health risks such as type 2 diabetes start at a lower BMI than in white European populations. UK NICE guidance therefore uses lower cut-offs: a BMI of 23 to 27.4 counts as overweight and 27.5 or above as obesity, compared with 25 and 30 for the general population. You can check your BMI in seconds with our South Asian BMI calculator.
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple screening measure that compares your weight with your height:
BMI = weight in kg ÷ (height in metres × height in metres)
For example, someone who weighs 72 kg and is 1.60 m tall has a BMI of 72 ÷ (1.60 × 1.60) = 28.1.
BMI does not measure body fat directly, but it is a quick way to spot whether your weight may be affecting your health.
Why are BMI cut-offs lower for Pakistanis?
People of South Asian heritage tend to carry more fat around the abdomen and internal organs, even at a normal-looking weight. This "central adiposity" increases the risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and heart disease at a lower BMI.
A World Health Organization expert consultation first highlighted this in 2004. The UK's NICE guideline on overweight and obesity management now recommends lower thresholds for people with a South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean background.
BMI categories for South Asian adults
| Category | General population | South Asian adults |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 | Below 18.5 |
| Healthy range | 18.5 to 24.9 | 18.5 to 22.9 |
| Overweight | 25 to 29.9 | 23 to 27.4 |
| Obesity | 30 or above | 27.5 or above |
For higher classes of obesity, NICE also lowers the thresholds by 2.5 points for these groups.
BMI chart in kg and feet for Pakistani adults
These are approximate weight ranges using the South Asian cut-offs.
| Height | Healthy range | Overweight | Obesity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ft 10 in (147 cm) | 40 to 49 kg | 50 to 59 kg | 60 kg or more |
| 5 ft 0 in (152 cm) | 43 to 53 kg | 54 to 63 kg | 64 kg or more |
| 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) | 46 to 57 kg | 58 to 67 kg | 68 kg or more |
| 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) | 49 to 60 kg | 61 to 72 kg | 73 kg or more |
| 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) | 52 to 64 kg | 65 to 77 kg | 78 kg or more |
| 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) | 55 to 68 kg | 69 to 81 kg | 82 kg or more |
| 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) | 59 to 72 kg | 73 to 86 kg | 87 kg or more |
| 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) | 62 to 76 kg | 77 to 91 kg | 92 kg or more |
For your exact number, use our BMI calculator, which works in both metric and imperial units.
Is BMI accurate?
BMI is useful, but it has limits:
- It cannot tell muscle from fat, so very muscular people may score high.
- It does not show where fat is stored, which matters a great deal for health.
- It is not designed for pregnancy, children or some older adults.
That is why doctors also look at waist size, blood tests, blood pressure and your medical history.
Check your waist-to-height ratio too
NICE recommends measuring your waist-to-height ratio alongside BMI. Measure your waist at the midpoint between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone, then divide it by your height in the same units.
- Below 0.5: no increased health risk from central fat
- 0.5 to 0.59: increased health risk
- 0.6 or more: high health risk
A simple rule to remember: keep your waist to less than half your height. Men tend to store more of this fat around the belly; our guide to weight loss for men explains how to reduce it.
What should you do with your result?
- Healthy range: keep up your habits and have regular check-ups, especially if diabetes runs in your family.
- Overweight: this is the right time to act. Small changes, such as a desi diet plan and daily walking, can make a big difference.
- Obesity range: a medical assessment can uncover causes such as insulin resistance and discuss treatment options, including medication where clinically appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy BMI for Pakistani adults?
For South Asian adults, a healthy BMI is 18.5 to 22.9. Health risks start to rise from a BMI of 23.
What is the ideal weight for my height in kg?
Use the chart above as a guide, or our BMI calculator for an exact range. Your ideal weight also depends on your muscle mass, age and health.
Is a BMI of 25 overweight for Pakistanis?
Yes. Using South Asian cut-offs, a BMI of 25 is in the overweight range, even though it would be considered borderline for the general population.
Does BMI apply to women and men equally?
The same BMI cut-offs apply to adult men and women, but women naturally carry more body fat. This is another reason doctors look beyond BMI alone.
The bottom line
If your BMI is 23 or above, or your waist is more than half your height, it is worth paying attention. A doctor-led assessment can tell you what your numbers mean for your health. Book an appointment with Dr. Alia Qaisar to get clear answers.
Topic: Health tools
Written by the AQ Wellness team
AQ Wellness is a doctor-led weight loss service led by Dr. Alia Qaisar, a UK-certified Family Medicine Consultant with more than 20 years of experience in the UK, Dubai and Pakistan. About Dr. Alia
