What are the WHO BMI classification cutoffs?

WHO: below 18.5 Underweight; 18.5-24.9 Normal weight; 25.0-29.9 Pre-obesity/Overweight; 30.0-34.9 Obesity Class I; 35.0-39.9 Obesity Class II; 40.0 and above Obesity Class III (severe). Asian populations: overweight 23+, obese 27.5+.

What are the limitations of BMI?

BMI does not distinguish fat mass from lean mass, does not account for fat distribution (visceral vs subcutaneous), and may misclassify muscular individuals as overweight or sarcopenic individuals as normal weight.

Why are different BMI cutoffs used for Asian populations?

Asian populations develop metabolic complications at lower BMI values due to higher visceral fat and lower lean mass at equivalent BMI. WHO recommends public health action thresholds of 23 (overweight) and 27.5 (obese) for Asian populations.

BMI WHO Classification

Classify BMI by WHO categories: <18.5 underweight, 18.5-24.9 normal, 25-29.9 overweight, 30-34.9 obese class I, 35-39.9 obese class II, 40+ obese class III. Asian cutoffs: overweight 23+.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the WHO BMI classification cutoffs?

What are the limitations of BMI?

Why are different BMI cutoffs used for Asian populations?