A developmental indicator for infants. The formula is the same as BMI, but the standards differ.
An indicator of a child's physique, calculated by dividing weight by height cubed.
- BMI (Body Mass Index): Calculated by weight(kg) divided by height(m) squared. While popular, it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat.
- Kaup Index: Used for infants under 3 years. The formula is the same as BMI, but the cut-offs differ and interpretation varies by age in months.
- Rohrer Index: Used for children (ages 3-13). Uses height cubed, reflecting the three-dimensional growth of children better.
Metabolic syndrome, where abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar occur together, is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
- Waist: Men 90cm, Women 85cm+
- Triglycerides: 150mg/dL+
- Fasting Glucose: 100mg/dL+
- Blood Pressure: 130/85+
- HDL cholesterol: under 40 mg/dL (men), 50 mg/dL (women)
Focus on high-quality protein for muscle and calcium for bone health. Avoid irregular eating habits and choose complex carbs.
Metabolism slows down; reduce carbs and increase antioxidant-rich foods and fiber to manage weight and blood sugar.
Prioritize protein to prevent muscle loss (Sarcopenia). Fermented foods for digestion and Omega-3 rich fish are highly recommended.
How to Interpret BMI Responsibly
BMI is weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared. It is simple, but it cannot tell muscle from fat, so read it alongside measures such as waist size.
Worked example: An adult who is 170 cm tall and weighs 68 kg
- Convert height to meters and square it: 1.70 × 1.70 = 2.89
- Divide weight by it: 68 ÷ 2.89 = 23.5
- Under the WHO adult cut-offs, 18.5–24.9 is the normal range.
A BMI of 23.5 is "normal" under WHO cut-offs, but Korea and several Asian guidelines classify 23–24.9 as pre-obese because health risks appear at lower BMI.
Before you rely on the result
- Enter height and weight in the correct units.
- High muscle mass can raise BMI.
- Children and teens need age-specific interpretation.
- Do not diagnose disease or decide treatment from BMI alone.
Frequently asked questions
Can abdominal obesity exist with a normal BMI?
Yes. In Korea, a waist of 90 cm or more for men and 85 cm or more for women counts as abdominal obesity.