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🇸🇬Singapore

BMI Calculator (Singapore)

Calculate your BMI with Singapore HPB Asian cutoffs.

kg
cm

Results

Your BMI22.5
HPB CategoryNormal
Health RiskLow
Healthy Weight Range53.5–66.2 kg
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What is BMI (Singapore)?

The Singapore BMI Calculator uses the Health Promotion Board (HPB) Asian BMI cutoffs, which differ from the WHO international standards. Research shows that Asians — including Singaporeans, Chinese, Malays, and Indians — have higher body fat percentage and greater metabolic risk at lower BMI values compared to Caucasians.

The HPB classifies BMI 23.0-27.4 as 'overweight with moderate risk' and BMI 27.5+ as 'obese with high risk' — lower thresholds than the international cutoffs of 25 and 30 respectively. This means a Singaporean with BMI 24 is already at moderate health risk, even though they would be classified as 'normal' by international standards.

According to the National Population Health Survey, about 40% of Singapore residents aged 18-74 have a BMI of 23 or above. The prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 27.5 by Asian cutoffs) is approximately 10%. Singapore has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the developed world, partly attributed to the higher metabolic risk at lower BMI in Asian populations.

The HPB recommends maintaining a BMI between 18.5 and 22.9 for optimal health. Waist circumference is also important: men should aim for below 90 cm and women below 80 cm (Asian cutoffs, lower than the 102/88 cm international thresholds).

HPB offers various programmes including the National Steps Challenge, Eat Drink Shop Healthy, and subsidised health screenings at polyclinics. Screen for Life provides free health screening for Singapore Citizens and PRs aged 18+.

Formula

BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m)²

HPB Asian BMI Categories: - Below 18.5: Underweight (risk of nutritional deficiency) - 18.5 – 22.9: Normal (low risk) - 23.0 – 27.4: Overweight (moderate risk) - 27.5 and above: Obese (high risk)

Compare with WHO International: - 18.5 – 24.9: Normal - 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight - 30.0+: Obese

Example — 65 kg, 170 cm: BMI = 65 / 1.70² = 65 / 2.89 = 22.5 (Normal by HPB standards)

Healthy weight ranges (HPB, BMI 18.5-22.9): - 155 cm: 44.4–55.0 kg - 160 cm: 47.4–58.6 kg - 165 cm: 50.4–62.4 kg - 170 cm: 53.5–66.2 kg - 175 cm: 56.7–70.1 kg - 180 cm: 59.9–74.2 kg

How to use this BMI Calculator (Singapore)?

1. Enter your weight in kg. 2. Enter your height in cm. 3. See your BMI, HPB Asian category, health risk level, and healthy weight range.

Note: Singapore uses Asian BMI cutoffs (overweight at 23, obese at 27.5) which are lower than international standards. This reflects the higher metabolic risk Asians face at lower BMI values.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Singapore use different BMI cutoffs?
Research shows Asians have higher body fat percentage and visceral fat at the same BMI compared to Caucasians, leading to higher rates of diabetes and cardiovascular disease at lower BMI. HPB uses 23 (overweight) and 27.5 (obese) to better identify at-risk individuals in Singapore's multi-ethnic population.
What is a healthy BMI for Singaporeans?
The HPB recommends BMI 18.5-22.9 as the healthy range for Singaporeans. A BMI of 23+ puts you at moderate health risk, and 27.5+ at high risk. This is different from the WHO standard of 25 and 30.
What percentage of Singaporeans are overweight?
About 40% of Singapore residents aged 18-74 have a BMI of 23 or above (overweight by Asian standards). The obesity rate (BMI ≥ 27.5) is approximately 10%. Among ethnic groups, Malays have the highest obesity prevalence, followed by Indians and Chinese.
Does HPB offer free health screenings?
Yes, the Screen for Life programme provides subsidised health screenings at Community Health Centres and polyclinics for Singapore Citizens and PRs. CHAS cardholders can get screenings at participating GP clinics. The Healthier SG programme also includes regular health plans with your enrolled GP.
What is the recommended waist circumference for Asians?
HPB recommends waist circumference below 90 cm for men and below 80 cm for women. These are lower than the international cutoffs of 102 cm (men) and 88 cm (women) due to higher visceral fat in Asians at the same waist size.
How to reduce BMI in Singapore?
HPB recommends: (1) 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, (2) follow the My Healthy Plate model (half plate vegetables/fruit, quarter protein, quarter grains), (3) choose Healthier Choice Symbol products, (4) join the National Steps Challenge for motivation. Free resources at HPB.gov.sg.
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