🇿🇦 South Africa 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator
Body Mass Index — WHO international standards for South African users
Quick Answer
South Africa follows WHO BMI standards. Normal weight: BMI 18.5–24.9. Overweight: 25–29.9. Obese: 30 and above. South Africa has one of the highest adult obesity rates in sub-Saharan Africa — approximately 40% of adult women and 15% of adult men are classified as obese by WHO standards.
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — South Africa & International
| Category / Healthy | 🌍 WHO | 🌏 Asia-Pacific | 🇯🇵 Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 | < 18.5 | < 18.5 |
| Healthy 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 BMI standards does South Africa use? ▾
South Africa's Department of Health applies WHO standards: underweight below 18.5, normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, and obese 30 and above. The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) publishes health statistics using these benchmarks.