BMI calculator

Body Mass Index is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared. It is a quick screening number that tells you whether your weight is in a healthy range for your height. It is not a diagnosis and it does not measure body fat directly.

Indian and WHO Asia-Pacific guidelines use lower cut-offs than the international ones, because people of South Asian origin tend to develop diabetes and heart disease at a lower BMI. A BMI of 18.5 to 22.9 is considered normal, 23 to 24.9 is overweight, 25 to 29.9 is obese class I and 30 or above is obese class II or higher. The international WHO scale treats 18.5 to 24.9 as normal.

It can. Insurers use BMI as one of several underwriting factors. A BMI well outside the healthy range may lead to a medical check, a premium loading or, in some cases, an exclusion. Each insurer sets its own rules, which is why comparing a few is worth the time.

Yes, term insurance is usually priced on age, health, smoking and build. A very high or very low BMI can attract a loading or a request for medical tests. Being honest in the proposal form matters more than the number itself, because a claim can be rejected for wrong information.

No. BMI does not separate muscle from fat, so athletes and people with a heavy build can look overweight on the scale. It is also not meant for children, pregnant women or the very elderly. Treat it as a starting point and speak to your doctor for a proper assessment.

In most cases yes. Some insurers accept a higher BMI at standard rates, some add a loading and some ask for a medical test first. We can tell you which insurers are likely to be more comfortable with your profile.