BMI Calculator (Asian / Korean Standard)
Enter your height and weight to get your BMI and see your category under the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity standard and under the WHO standard.
BMI is a general screening tool and not a medical diagnosis. Consult a healthcare professional about your health.
BMI categories in Korea
Under 18.5: underweight · 18.5 to 22.9: normal · 23 to 24.9: overweight (at risk) · 25 to 29.9: obese stage 1 · 30 to 34.9: stage 2 · 35 or more: stage 3.
Korean and WHO BMI categories compared
| BMI | Korean / Asian standard | WHO standard |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18.5 | Underweight | Underweight |
| 18.5 to 22.9 | Normal | Normal |
| 23 to 24.9 | Overweight (at risk) | Normal |
| 25 to 29.9 | Obese stage 1 | Overweight |
| 30 to 34.9 | Obese stage 2 | Obese |
| 35 or more | Obese stage 3 | Obese |
Example
A person who is 170 cm and 70 kg has a BMI of 70 / (1.7 x 1.7) = 24.2. That is normal under the WHO standard but overweight (at risk) under the Korean standard. The healthy range for 170 cm under the Asian standard is about 53.5 kg to 66.2 kg.
Health checkups in Korea
The National Health Insurance Service offers a general health screening every one or two years that includes BMI, waist circumference and blood pressure. Employees are usually enrolled automatically through their workplace. Check with your employer or the NHIS (1577-1000) to see when you are due.
Frequently asked questions
What BMI is considered overweight in Korea?
Korea uses the Asian-Pacific standard: 23 to 24.9 is overweight (at risk), 25 to 29.9 is stage 1 obesity, 30 to 34.9 is stage 2 and 35 or more is stage 3. The WHO standard starts overweight at 25 and obesity at 30.
Why are the Asian cut-offs lower?
People of Asian descent tend to have a higher body fat percentage and more health risk, such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, at a lower BMI than people of European descent.
How is BMI calculated?
BMI = weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. For example, 70 kg at 170 cm gives 70 / (1.7 x 1.7) = 24.2.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
No. BMI does not distinguish muscle from fat, so athletes can have a high BMI while being healthy. Waist circumference (90 cm or more for men, 85 cm or more for women in Korea) is a useful complement.