BMI and Waist Circumference
Check your body's metabolic signals by the numbers
Key summary
BMI is your weight (kg) divided by the square of your height (m). In Korea, a BMI below 18.5 is underweight, 18.5–22.9 is normal, 23–24.9 is pre-obese, and 25 or higher is obesity. A waist circumference of 90 cm or more for men and 85 cm or more for women is abdominal obesity, regardless of BMI.
BMI and Waist Circumference Calculator
* This self-check is for reference only and does not replace a medical diagnosis. Please get an accurate diagnosis at a medical facility.
- KDCA National Health Information Portal, “Obesity”
Frequently asked questions
What is the BMI formula?
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². For example, at a height of 170 cm and a weight of 72 kg, 72 ÷ (1.7 × 1.7) = 24.9.
What if my BMI is normal but my waist circumference is over the cutoff?
Even at a normal weight, fat can build up around the abdomen. By Korean criteria, a waist circumference of 90 cm or more for men and 85 cm or more for women is abdominal obesity and is one of the diagnostic items for metabolic syndrome, so it should be managed as well.