BMI Calculator Malaysia
A healthy BMI in Malaysia is 18.5 to 22.9. The Ministry of Health uses Asian cut-offs, so overweight starts at 23 and obese at 27.5, not 25 and 30. At 165 cm and 65 kg your BMI is 23.9: overweight here, though "normal" on WHO charts. Check yours below.
Your BMI
Body mass index
OverweightLose 2.7 kg to reach the healthy range.
| Healthy weight for your height | 50.4–62.3 kg |
|---|---|
| WHO international category | Healthy weight |
| WaistRisk from 90 cm (men), 80 cm (women) | Below 90 cm |
| Waist-to-height ratioKeep below 0.5 | 0.52 · Increased risk |
For adults aged 18 and over. Not a diagnosis; see a doctor about your weight and health.
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BMI categories: Malaysia vs WHO
| Category | Malaysia (MOH CPG) | WHO international |
|---|---|---|
| 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 class I | 27.5–34.9 | 30.0–34.9 |
| Obese class II | 35.0–39.9 | 35.0–39.9 |
| Obese class III | ≥ 40.0 | ≥ 40.0 |
Malaysian adults develop type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease at a lower BMI than Europeans, which is why the Ministry of Health's Clinical Practice Guidelines on Management of Obesity set the Asian cut-offs at 23 and 27.5.
Healthy weight by height
| Height | Healthy weight | Overweight from | Obese from |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 cm | 41.6–51.5 kg | 51.8 kg | 61.9 kg |
| 155 cm | 44.4–55 kg | 55.3 kg | 66.1 kg |
| 160 cm | 47.4–58.6 kg | 58.9 kg | 70.4 kg |
| 165 cm | 50.4–62.3 kg | 62.6 kg | 74.9 kg |
| 170 cm | 53.5–66.2 kg | 66.5 kg | 79.5 kg |
| 175 cm | 56.7–70.1 kg | 70.4 kg | 84.2 kg |
| 180 cm | 59.9–74.2 kg | 74.5 kg | 89.1 kg |
| 185 cm | 63.3–78.4 kg | 78.7 kg | 94.1 kg |
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How to use your result
- BMI: weight in kg ÷ (height in m)². It screens for weight risk; it does not measure body fat directly.
- Waist: belly fat carries the most risk. Aim for under 90 cm (men) or 80 cm (women), and a waist under half your height.
- Target: losing 5% to 10% of body weight already lowers blood sugar and blood pressure for people who are overweight.
- Check-ups: adults with a BMI of 23 or more should have their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checked at a clinic.
Sources
- Ministry of Health Malaysia: CPG Management of Obesity (2nd edition, 2023)
- JAFES: summary of the Malaysian CPG on obesity
- World Obesity: Malaysia cut-offs and data
- NICE NG246: waist-to-height ratio
Disclaimer: General health information, not medical advice. BMI is a screening tool; pregnant women, children and athletes need other assessments.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy BMI in Malaysia?
18.5 to 22.9. The Malaysian Clinical Practice Guidelines use Asian cut-offs: overweight from 23.0 and obese from 27.5, lower than the WHO international cut-offs of 25 and 30, because Asians face higher diabetes and heart risk at the same BMI.
How do I calculate BMI?
Divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. For 65 kg and 1.65 m: 65 ÷ (1.65 × 1.65) = 23.9, which is overweight under the Malaysian guidelines but normal under the WHO international categories.
What is the healthy weight for my height?
Multiply your height in metres squared by 18.5 and 22.9. At 165 cm the healthy range is 50.4 to 62.3 kg; at 160 cm it is 47.4 to 58.6 kg; at 170 cm it is 53.5 to 66.2 kg.
What waist size is a health risk?
For Asian adults, 90 cm or more in men and 80 cm or more in women is linked to higher risk of diabetes and heart disease. A second check is to keep your waist below half your height: a waist-to-height ratio of 0.5 or more is increased risk.
Why is my BMI 'overweight' here but 'normal' elsewhere?
Many calculators use the WHO international cut-off of 25. Malaysia's Ministry of Health uses 23 for Asians. A BMI between 23 and 24.9 is overweight in Malaysia but normal internationally; this calculator shows both.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
No. BMI does not separate muscle from fat, so very muscular people can score high, and it is not used for children, who need age and sex percentile charts. Waist measurements add information about belly fat, which carries more risk.
Can I enter my height in feet and weight in pounds?
Yes. Switch to imperial units and enter feet, inches and pounds; the calculator converts them. For example, 5 ft 7 in and 150 lb is a BMI of 23.5.
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