Ideal weight calculator for Indians
See the healthy weight range for your height using Indian BMI cut-offs, a realistic first goal, and how the classic ideal-weight formulas compare.
Medically reviewed and approved by Dr Reina Punj, MBBS, PG Diploma in Endocrinology (University of South Wales, UK), Lead Physician, Lean Life. Approved on 24 October 2026.
Healthy weight for Indians at your height
47–59 kg
BMI 18.5 to 22.9, the Indian healthy range
A realistic first goal
70–74 kg
Losing 5 to 10% first. Even this improves blood sugar, blood pressure and fatty liver.
Classic ideal-weight formulas, for comparison
Devine
52 kg
Robinson
54 kg
Miller
57 kg
Hamwi
52 kg
Your weight is above the healthy range for Indians. You don't need to reach the "ideal" number to see real health benefits. A doctor can explain your options, including whether GLP-1 treatment is suitable.
A screening guide for adults, not a diagnosis. Not for pregnancy, children or teenagers.
What is an ideal weight?
There's no single perfect number. Doctors use a healthy range, based on body mass index (BMI). Because Indians develop diabetes, high blood pressure and fatty liver at lower weights than Europeans, Indian guidelines use a lower healthy BMI range: 18.5 to 22.9.
This calculator shows the weight range that matches that BMI for your height, alongside four classic formulas doctors once used to estimate an ideal weight.
Healthy weight chart for Indian adults
| Height | Healthy weight (BMI 18.5 to 22.9) | Overweight from (BMI 23) | Obesity from (BMI 25) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 cm (4 ft 11 in) | 42 to 52 kg | 52 kg | 56 kg |
| 155 cm (5 ft 1 in) | 44 to 55 kg | 55 kg | 60 kg |
| 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) | 47 to 59 kg | 59 kg | 64 kg |
| 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) | 50 to 62 kg | 63 kg | 68 kg |
| 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) | 53 to 66 kg | 66 kg | 72 kg |
| 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) | 57 to 70 kg | 70 kg | 77 kg |
| 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) | 60 to 74 kg | 75 kg | 81 kg |
| 185 cm (6 ft 1 in) | 63 to 78 kg | 79 kg | 86 kg |
Calculated from the Indian BMI cut-offs. Rounded to the nearest kg.
About the formulas
The Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi formulas date from the 1960s to 1980s. They were built for calculating medicine doses, mostly in Western populations, and don't account for body build or ethnicity. They're shown for interest; the Indian BMI range is a better guide. All four work poorly for people shorter than about 152 cm (5 ft).
Do you need to reach your ideal weight?
No. Losing just 5 to 10% of your current weight improves blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and fatty liver. Many people feel much better long before they reach the healthy range. Your doctor will help you set a goal that's realistic for you.
Weight isn't everything
Two people with the same weight can have very different health risks. Waist size shows fat around the abdomen, the riskiest kind: for Indian adults, aim for under 90 cm for men and 80 cm for women. Check yours with our BMI and waist calculator. At Lean Life we also use InBody scans to see how much of your weight is fat and how much is muscle.
Questions
What is the ideal weight for my height?
For Indian adults, a healthy weight is one that gives a BMI of 18.5 to 22.9. For someone 160 cm tall, that's about 47 to 59 kg.
What is the ideal weight for a 5 ft 5 in woman?
At 165 cm, the Indian healthy range is about 50 to 62 kg. Muscle, build and waist size matter too.
Why is the Indian range lower than international charts?
At the same BMI, Indians tend to carry more body fat, especially around the abdomen, and develop diabetes and heart disease at lower weights.
How fast should I lose weight?
About 0.5 to 1 kg a week is a common, sustainable pace. On medical treatment it can be faster early on; your doctor will monitor you.
References
Want help reaching a healthier weight?
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