BMI by Country — Korea, Japan, China, Singapore vs WHO Standards
Compare your BMI against South Korea, Japan, China, Singapore, and WHO global standards simultaneously. Asian populations have higher body fat at the same BMI, so stricter thresholds apply. Instantly see how you classify under each country's criteria.
Select Country Standard
South Korea 비만 기준: BMI 18.5 미만 저체중, 18.5~22.9 정상, 23~24.9 과체중, 25 이상 비만. WHO 기준: 18.5 미만 저체중, 18.5~24.9 정상, 25~29.9 과체중, 30 이상 비만.
Why BMI Standards Differ by Country
Asians have higher body fat percentage and greater metabolic syndrome risk than Westerners at the same BMI. As a result, South Korea, Japan, China, and Singapore apply lower overweight/obesity thresholds than WHO standards.
| Country | Underweight | Normal | Overweight | Obese |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | < 18.5 | 18.5~22.9 | 23~24.9 | ≥ 25 |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | < 18.5 | 18.5~22.9 | 23~24.9 | ≥ 25 |
| 🇨🇳 China | < 18.5 | 18.5~23.9 | 24~27.9 | ≥ 28 |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | < 18.5 | 18.5~22.9 | 23~27.4 | ≥ 27.5 |
| 🌍 WHO Global | < 18.5 | 18.5~24.9 | 25~29.9 | ≥ 30 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does Korea's BMI standard differ from WHO?
Korea and Japan classify BMI ≥ 23 as overweight — stricter than WHO's ≥ 25. This reflects that Asians have higher visceral fat and cardiovascular risk at the same BMI.
Q. Can the same BMI lead to different classifications by country?
Yes. BMI 24, for example, is overweight by Korean standards but normal by WHO standards. This tool displays both simultaneously.
Q. What are China's and Singapore's BMI standards?
China classifies BMI ≥ 24 as overweight and ≥ 28 as obese. Singapore uses BMI ≥ 23 as overweight, similar to Korea and Japan.
Q. Is BMI accurate for all body types?
BMI does not account for muscle mass, so it may be inaccurate for athletes or elderly individuals. Consider body fat percentage and waist circumference as additional metrics.
Q. How is the ideal weight range calculated?
Ideal weight = BMI range (country's normal lower~upper bound) × height(m)². For example, at 170cm, the Korean normal weight range is 53.5–66.4kg.
Q. What should I do if I'm classified as obese?
This tool is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a doctor or dietitian for personalized health guidance.
How to Use
Choose South Korea, Japan, China, Singapore, or WHO global standard.
Input your height (cm) and weight (kg) — results appear instantly.
See your BMI gauge against the selected country's thresholds and WHO comparison.
See the normal weight range for your height and how far you are from it.
Expert Knowledge: BMI by Country — Korea, Japan, China, Singapore vs WHO Standards
BMI (Body Mass Index) was developed by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet in 1835, calculated as weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared. The WHO adopted the global standards of overweight ≥ 25 and obese ≥ 30 in 1995. However, a 2004 WHO Western Pacific Regional Office study found that Asians show elevated diabetes and hypertension risk at lower BMI values than Westerners. As a result, South Korea, Japan, China, and Singapore now apply stricter thresholds: overweight ≥ 23, obese ≥ 25–28. Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare officially adopted the Asia-Pacific BMI standards in 2005.
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