Body Mass Index (WHO Classification): Validated screening tool for weight categories and obesity assessment. In bariatric surgery, BMI ≥40 or ≥35 with comorbidities guides surgical candidacy. Updated 2024 guidelines recommend evaluation for patients ≥35 with obesity-related comorbidities like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or GERD.
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WHO classification for adults
Verified
Last Review: 2026-07-17
| Underweight | < 18.5 kg/m2 |
| Normal Weight | 18.5 – 24.9 kg/m2 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 kg/m2 |
| Obesity Class I | 30 – 34.9 kg/m2 |
| Obesity Class II | 35 – 39.9 kg/m2 |
| Obesity Class III (Morbid) | ≥ 40 kg/m2 |
| South Asian | ≥ 27.5 kg/m2 for obesity |
| Chinese (national guideline) | ≥ 28 kg/m2 for obesity |
| India (2015) | ≥ 25 kg/m2 = overweight |
| Elderly (> 65 yrs) | 25–30 may be acceptable |
Keys A et al. • J Chronic Dis.. 1972;25(6):329-343. Formal naming of Body Mass Index.
Wu Y et al. • Int J Environ Res Public Health.. 2024;21(6):757. 43,000+ views. Yale School of Public Health. Open access.
AMA Council on Science and Public Health. • AMA Press Release.. 2023;Recommends against BMI as sole diagnostic criterion.
Rubino F et al. • Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol.. 2023;11:226-228.
Last Comprehensive Review: 2026-07-17
Clinical Context
We think this might be relevant to the clinical guidance for Body Mass Index (BMI).
Clinical Context
We think this might be relevant to the clinical guidance for Body Mass Index (BMI).
Clinical Context
We think this might be relevant to the clinical guidance for Body Mass Index (BMI).
