🇮🇪 Ireland 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — Ireland
Body Mass Index · WHO Standard · Ireland Health Statistics
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WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In Ireland, 25.3% of adults are obese and 60% are overweight or obese (WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory). Ireland uses the WHO BMI standard. The Health Service Executive (HSE) Ireland publishes these statistics nationally. Ireland's obesity rate has tripled since 1990. The HSE estimates obesity-related conditions cost the Irish health system over €1.3 billion annually.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — Ireland & International
| Category / Normal | 🌍 WHO | 🌏 Asia-Pacific | 🇯🇵 Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 | < 18.5 | < 18.5 |
| Normal weight | 18.5 – 24.9 | 18.5 – 22.9 | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 | 23 – 27.4 | ≥ 25 (Obese) |
| Obese | ≥ 30 | ≥ 27.5 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the obesity rate in Ireland? ▾
25.3% of adults in Ireland are classified as obese and 60% are overweight or obese per WHO 2022 Global Health Observatory data. Ireland's obesity rate has tripled since 1990. The HSE estimates obesity-related conditions cost the Irish health system over €1.3 billion annually. The Health Service Executive (HSE) Ireland monitors these figures through national health and nutrition surveys.
What BMI standard does Ireland use? ▾
Ireland follows the WHO standard (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30). The Health Service Executive (HSE) Ireland applies these thresholds in national clinical guidelines and public health campaigns. Unlike parts of Asia which use lower cut-offs, the standard WHO thresholds reflect the original research on European and North American populations.
Is BMI an accurate measure for people in Ireland? ▾
BMI is a widely used population screening tool in Ireland but it has well-known limitations: it does not distinguish between muscle and fat, and cannot capture fat distribution — abdominal (visceral) fat carries higher cardiovascular risk than fat stored in limbs. The Health Service Executive (HSE) Ireland recommends combining BMI with waist circumference (men: <94 cm, women: <80 cm per WHO) and other clinical indicators for a complete assessment.