How much weight counts as obesity in India? BMI, myths, and confusion explained

Obesity is a term often misunderstood in India, where a fuller figure might signal prosperity, while a slim waist can raise eyebrows for all the wrong reasons. With nearly one in four adults now classified as overweight or obese, India stands at a crossroads with shifting lifestyles, cultural beliefs, and a medical reality that can no longer be ignored. Let’s see what obesity really means in the Indian context, understand the role of BMI, and fiction around this growing health concern.

What does obesity really mean in India?

Globally, obesity is defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, a number that compares weight to height. But in India, the story is different. Experts here have long observed that health risks like diabetes and heart disease appear at lower BMIs than in many Western populations. This is partly due to genetics as Indians tend to carry more abdominal fat, which is closely linked to metabolic disorders. As a result, obesity in India begins at a BMI of 25, with the “overweight” category starting as low as 23.

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In January 2025 after a gap of 15 years, a team of Indian health experts from AIIMS and the National Diabetes Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation released new guidelines. They argue that obesity isn’t just about numbers on a scale—it’s about how that excess weight affects your health. They’ve proposed two stages:

• Stage 1 Obesity: BMI over 23 without immediate organ damage (what they call “innocuous obesity”).

• Stage 2 Obesity: Same BMI, but with visible health impacts—like joint pain, insulin resistance, or a diabetes diagnosis.

BMI: the measuring tape of health

BMI is simple math, take your weight in kilograms, divide it by your height in meters squared (kg/m²), and you have your number. For example, someone who is 5’5″ (1.65m) and weighs 70kg has a BMI of about 25.7. Under global standards, that’s considered “overweight.” In India, that number already qualifies as obese.

Here’s a quick comparison:
• Global Standards: Underweight (<18.5), Normal (18.5–24.9), Overweight (25–29.9), Obese (≥30)

• Indian Standards (2009): Normal (18.0–22.9), Overweight (23.0–24.9), Obese (≥25)

• New 2025 Guidelines: Obesity starts at BMI >23, with stages depending on health impact

But BMI alone doesn’t tell the full story. A muscular athlete may have a high BMI and still be healthy, while someone with a “normal” BMI could be carrying dangerous fat around the waist. That’s why waist circumference is now a key metric in India: more than 90 cm for men or 80 cm for women signals abdominal obesity, even if your BMI is in the normal range.

The cultural lens: full figures vs. flat facts

In India, weight is tied to more than just health—it carries cultural weight too. A plump figure often implies affluence, a nod to times when food scarcity was common. A rounded belly might get a nod of approval, while a leaner frame may draw concern or unsolicited advice about eating more.

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Abdominal fat is linked to everything from heart disease and diabetes to problems with memory and brain health. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), about 40% of women and 12% of men in India have abdominal obesity. These numbers are especially alarming considering the country’s already high burden of diabetes.

The numbers: how big is the problem?

In 2005, NFHS-3 reported that 13% of Indian women and 9% of men were overweight or obese. By 2021, these numbers had nearly doubled, as per NFHS-5 now the numbers have increased to 24% of women and 23% of men in this category. And according to the World Obesity Federation, India now ranks third globally in obesity, which gave the country a “national obesity risk” score of 7 out of 10.

The problem isn’t limited to adults. Children are increasingly affected too, thanks to urban diets packed with processed snacks and a dramatic drop-in physical activity. States like Kerala (65.4%) and Punjab (62.5%) now top the charts in abdominal obesity. The Economic Survey of 2023–24 issued a stark warning: junk food and sedentary habits are setting the stage for a health crisis.

This isn’t just about how your jeans fit, obesity opens the door to a host of problems: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, joint pain, and even memory decline later in life. The 2025 guidelines focus on abdominal fat because it’s the real threat—it wraps around vital organs, causes inflammation, and lays the groundwork for chronic disease.

Small changes can make a big difference. Walking more, eating fewer oily foods, and watching your waistline are all meaningful steps. The Indian Council of Medical Research recommends 17 diet tips, including more fruits and vegetables and cutting down on sugar. Experts also recommend exercise, yoga, and in extreme cases, surgery.

But the most important shift is awareness. A double chin isn’t a symbol of success and true strength lies in staying healthy.