BMI Categories (Korea MoHW)
Underweight: BMI < 18.5
Normal: 18.5 ≤ BMI < 23
Overweight: 23 ≤ BMI < 25
Obese: 25 ≤ BMI < 30
Severely Obese: BMI ≥ 30
Standard Weight Formula (Broca Modified)
Male: (height − 100) × 0.9 kg
Female: (height − 100) × 0.85 kg
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the normal BMI range?
The WHO standard defines 18.5–24.9 as normal, but the Asia-Pacific guideline uses 18.5–22.9 as the healthy range. Korean national health screenings apply the Asian standard.
Q: Who is eligible for the national health screening?
All Korean residents aged 20 or older are eligible. Employees can be screened annually, while regional subscribers and dependents are screened every other year based on birth year (odd or even).
Q: How does BMI differ from actual body fat percentage?
BMI only uses height and weight, so it does not account for muscle mass. Athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI but low body fat, while someone with a normal BMI but little muscle can still have high body fat.
Q: What waist circumference indicates abdominal obesity?
According to the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity, a waist circumference of 90 cm or more in men and 85 cm or more in women indicates abdominal obesity, which is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
Q: How is ideal body weight calculated?
Ideal body weight is calculated by multiplying the square of height in meters by 22. For example, at 170 cm: 1.7 × 1.7 × 22 = 63.6 kg. A range within ±10% of this value is considered normal.