Mixed
For South and Southeast Asian populations, obesity diagnostic thresholds should be lowered (BMI ≥23 kg/m² for overweight, ≥25 kg/m² for obesity) because Asians exhibit higher visceral adiposity and cardiometabolic risk at lower BMIs compared to Caucasian populations.
If you are of South or Southeast Asian descent, do not rely solely on the standard BMI cutoff of 30 to define obesity. Your health risks for diabetes and heart disease increase at lower weights. Use the lower thresholds (Overweight ≥23, Obese ≥25) or waist circumference measurements to assess your risk, and consult a clinician for a full metabolic workup even if your BMI appears 'normal' by international standards.
it is also well established that the relationship between BMI and body fat storage and distribution varies across different ethnicities. Thus, for the same body fat percentage, Asians typically have BMIs that are 2–3 kg/m2 lower than Caucasians'. Asian populations, in particular South Asians, have higher levels of body fat at a given BMI, especially in visceral adipose tissue.
Why this rating
Based on a consensus of 42 recommendations from 10 countries, supported by multiple cited epidemiological studies showing higher risk at lower BMIs.
Source
Obesity in South and Southeast Asia—A new consensus on care and management
Kwang Wei Tham et al. · Obesity Reviews · 2022
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