Normal BMI Range
May 23, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
In China, the normal BMI range is defined as 18.5–23.9 kg/m². A BMI of ≥24 kg/m² is diagnosed as overweight; a BMI of ≥28 kg/m² is diagnosed as obesity; and a BMI >35 kg/m²—particularly ≥40 kg/m²—is considered indicative of severe (high-risk) obesity.
BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. Also known as the body mass index, BMI is an indicator used to assess the degree of obesity and overall health status. So, what is the normal BMI range?
Normal BMI Range
In China, the standard normal BMI range is 18.5–23.9 kg/m². A BMI ≥28 kg/m² indicates obesity; a BMI of 35–40 kg/m² or higher suggests severe obesity with significant health risks. A BMI <18.5 kg/m² indicates underweight. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is defined as a BMI ≥25 kg/m². BMI is minimally affected by height but cannot reflect regional fat distribution.
BMI, also known as the body mass index, is calculated by dividing weight (in kilograms) by the square of height (in meters). Another criterion for diagnosing obesity is the “ideal body weight”: subtract 100 (for men) or 105 (for women) from height in centimeters. Deviations of ±10% are considered normal; weight exceeding the ideal by 10–20% indicates overweight, while ≥20% above ideal weight warrants an obesity diagnosis. Like BMI, ideal body weight also fails to reflect regional fat distribution.
We recommend using BMI as a guide for daily dietary management to achieve and maintain optimal health. We hope this information is helpful. Wishing you a happy life and good health!
