BMI
Body Mass Index — a screening tool using height and weight to assess weight status.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
BMI is a simple calculation using your height and weight. For Singaporeans, a BMI of 23+ is overweight and 27.5+ is obese. It helps your doctor assess your health risks.
Medical
Clinical Definition
BMI = weight(kg) / height(m)². WHO Asian-Pacific cutoffs: <18.5 underweight, 18.5-22.9 normal, 23-27.4 overweight, ≥27.5 obese. BMI correlates with adiposity but does not distinguish fat from muscle.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
BMI is a starting point for weight assessment, not a complete picture. Your doctor will also consider waist circumference, body fat percentage, and metabolic health markers.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.