Appropriate body-mass index for Asian populations and its implications for policy and intervention strategies
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Overview
Expert consultation reveals elevated cardiometabolic risk at lower body-mass index levels in Asian populations, suggesting tailored public health trigger points.
Key Points
To review scientific evidence regarding appropriate body-mass index (BMI) cut-offs for Asian populations and determine implications for global and national public health interventions.
Reviewed observational and clinical evidence linking BMI, percentage body fat, and cardiovascular risk factors across diverse Asian populations.
Evaluated population-specific variations in morbidity thresholds, body fat distribution, and mortality risks.
Asian populations generally exhibit higher proportions of body fat and elevated risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease at BMIs below 25 kg/m².
Cut-off points for elevated risk vary substantially across Asian populations, ranging from 22 kg/m² to 25 kg/m² for increased risk and 26 kg/m² to 31 kg/m² for high risk.
Standard international BMI classifications (18.5, 25.0, and 30.0 kg/m²) are retained, but additional trigger points for public health action are defined at 23.0, 27.5, 32.5, and 37.5 kg/m².