BMI Chart Singapore
Singapore's Health Promotion Board (HPB) uses different BMI cutoffs from the WHO global standard. This page shows both classification systems side by side, plus a weight reference table for common heights using HPB Asian standards.
HPB Asian vs WHO Global BMI Categories
Asians carry a higher proportion of body fat at the same BMI compared to Caucasians and face elevated risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease at lower BMI values. As a result, Singapore's HPB sets the overweight threshold at 23.0 — two full BMI points lower than the WHO global cutoff.
| Category | HPB Asian Range | WHO Global Range |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 | < 18.5 |
| Healthy weight | 18.5 – 22.9 | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 23.0 – 27.4 | 25.0 – 29.9 |
| Obese I | 27.5 – 32.4 | 30.0 – 34.9 |
| Obese II | ≥ 32.5 | ≥ 35.0 |
HPB Healthy Weight Ranges by Height
The table below shows HPB-classified weight ranges (kg) for each category based on height. Find your height row to see the corresponding weight ranges.
| Height | Underweight <18.5 | Healthy 18.5–22.9 | Overweight 23–27.4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 155 cm | <44 kg | 44–55 kg | 55–66 kg |
| 160 cm | <47 kg | 47–59 kg | 59–70 kg |
| 165 cm | <50 kg | 50–63 kg | 63–75 kg |
| 170 cm | <53 kg | 53–66 kg | 66–79 kg |
| 175 cm | <57 kg | 57–70 kg | 70–84 kg |
| 180 cm | <60 kg | 60–74 kg | 75–89 kg |
Weight ranges calculated using HPB Asian BMI categories. Values rounded to nearest whole kg. The Obese I and Obese II columns are hidden on small screens — scroll right or view on desktop.
How to Read This BMI Chart
Step 1 — Find your height row in the weight table above. If your height falls between values, use the nearest row or use the interactive calculator for an exact result.
Step 2— Locate your current body weight in that row to identify your BMI category. The “Healthy” column shows the HPB-recommended weight range for your height.
Step 3 — Compare against the category definitions in the first table. Remember that Singapore follows HPB Asian standards where overweight starts at BMI 23.0, not the WHO global 25.0.
Note — BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure. It does not distinguish between fat mass and muscle mass. Athletes and highly muscular individuals may have elevated BMI despite having healthy body composition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What BMI is considered overweight in Singapore?
In Singapore, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) defines overweight as a BMI of 23.0 or higher for Asian adults. This is lower than the WHO global threshold of 25.0. The HPB lower cutoff reflects research showing that Asians carry a higher proportion of body fat at the same BMI compared to Caucasians, and face higher risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease at lower BMI values.
At what BMI is weight loss recommended in Singapore?
The HPB recommends weight management strategies starting at a BMI of 23.0 (overweight) and more active medical intervention at 27.5 (obese). At BMI 23.0–27.4, lifestyle changes including diet modification and increased physical activity are recommended. At BMI 27.5 and above, medical assessment and possibly clinical weight management programmes may be appropriate. Consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
How is the Singapore BMI chart different from other countries?
Singapore follows the Asia-Pacific BMI classification established by the World Health Organization and adopted by the HPB. The key differences from the international WHO classification are: the healthy range is 18.5–22.9 (not 18.5–24.9), overweight starts at 23.0 (not 25.0), and obese starts at 27.5 (not 30.0). This means that using the international WHO chart would underestimate health risks for Singaporeans — a BMI of 24, classified as 'healthy' by WHO standards, is 'overweight' by Singapore HPB standards.
What are the limitations of BMI?
BMI does not directly measure body fat and has several known limitations: it overestimates risk for muscular individuals (athletes, bodybuilders) who have high lean mass; it may underestimate risk for older adults who have lost muscle but gained fat ('skinny fat'); it does not account for fat distribution (abdominal fat is more dangerous than fat in other areas); and it is the same regardless of sex despite men and women having different natural body fat levels. For a more complete assessment, consider combining BMI with waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio.
Calculate Your Exact BMI
Use our interactive BMI calculator for an instant, precise result with personalised health guidance using Singapore HPB standards.
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