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BMI calculator
Find your body mass index in seconds. We use the Asian cut-offs, which flag health risks at a lower BMI than the international scale and fit Filipinos better.
Learn more
What is BMI?
Body mass index (BMI) compares your weight to your height. It's a quick way to see whether your weight may be raising your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²
BMI categories for Filipinos
Asians tend to carry more body fat at the same BMI, so the World Health Organization suggested lower cut-offs for Asian populations. These are widely used in the Philippines.
| BMI | Asian cut-off (used here) | WHO international |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | Underweight |
| 18.5 to 22.9 | Normal | Normal |
| 23 to 24.9 | Overweight (at risk) | Normal |
| 25 to 29.9 | Obese I | Overweight |
| 30 and above | Obese II | Obese |
What BMI doesn't tell you
- It can't tell fat from muscle, so athletes may show a high BMI.
- It doesn't show where fat sits. Belly fat matters more for heart risk, so also check your waist-to-hip ratio.
- It isn't for children, teens or pregnant women.
- Two people with the same BMI can have very different blood sugar and cholesterol. Lab tests show what BMI can't.
Limitations
Please keep these in mind before acting on your result:
- BMI doesn't measure body fat. Muscular people can read high, and older adults who have lost muscle can read normal while carrying extra fat.
- It doesn't show where fat sits. Belly fat matters more for heart and diabetes risk, so also check your waist.
- The Asia-Pacific cut-offs are action points from population studies. Risk rises gradually; it doesn't jump at exactly 23 or 25.
- It isn't meant for children and teens, during pregnancy, or for people with swelling (edema) or an amputation.
- The result is only as good as the height and weight you enter. Home scales can be off by a kilo or more.
Common questions
What is a normal BMI for Filipinos?
Using the Asian cut-offs, a normal BMI is 18.5 to 22.9. From 23 you're considered overweight or at risk, and from 25 obese.
Why use Asian BMI cut-offs?
Studies show Asians develop diabetes and heart disease at lower BMIs than Western populations, so the WHO expert consultation suggested lower action points for Asian populations.
Is BMI accurate?
BMI is a good first screen for most adults, but it doesn't measure body fat directly. Waist size, body fat percentage and lab tests give a fuller picture.
How can I check my health beyond BMI?
A health package with blood sugar, cholesterol and a doctor's review shows your actual risk. Our Express package starts at ₱5,000.
References
- WHO Expert Consultation. Appropriate body-mass index for Asian populations and its implications for policy and intervention strategies. Lancet. 2004;363(9403):157–163. Link
- WHO Western Pacific Region, IASO, IOTF. The Asia-Pacific perspective: redefining obesity and its treatment. Sydney: Health Communications Australia; 2000. Link
- World Health Organization. Obesity and overweight: fact sheet. Link
This tool doesn't diagnose any condition and isn't meant for pregnancy. If something worries you, talk to a doctor.