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Lesson 2 of 5
BMI and your weight range
Direct answer: BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. ICMR-NIN suggests 18.5 to 23 for Asian adults. The calculator also shows the weight range for that band at your height, which is 18.5 and 23 multiplied by height squared. BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis, and doesn't measure body fat or where it sits.
Consult a doctor or dietitian: these are general estimates for adults. They are not a plan for pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, illness or any medical condition.
What is a worked example?
EXAMPLE DATA: at 1.70m, 18.5 × 2.89 is about 53kg and 23 × 2.89 is about 66kg, so the range is about 53 to 66kg.
What else matters?
ICMR-NIN notes that fat around the abdomen, shown by waist size, is considered a risk factor. A doctor can assess it.
FAQ
Is this for children?
No; children use different growth charts.
Is the range a target?
It is a reference band. Discuss any goal with a doctor or dietitian.
Further reading
Sources
- ICMR-NIN Expert Committee, Dietary Guidelines for Indians-2024 (DGI 2024), nin.res.in/dietaryguidelines/pdfjs/locale/DGI_2024.pdf, BMI formula and Asian cut-offs, PDF pp. 79–80 / printed pp. 62–63
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General education, not medical advice.
Educational content, not medical advice. Checked against FSSAI and ICMR-NIN sources by Team Snactivate. For personal advice, consult a doctor or dietitian.