Based on Asian-specific BMI thresholds, this patient with BMI 27.8 would be categorized as which risk class?

Based on Asian-specific BMI thresholds, this patient with BMI 27.8 would be categorized as which risk class?

• A. Normal weight
• B. Pre-obesity/overweight
• C. I don't know
• D. Obese

Answer: (D)

Asian-specific BMI thresholds recognize higher cardiometabolic risk at lower BMI in many Asian populations. Under these guidelines, normal weight is roughly 18.5–22.9, pre-obesity/overweight is 23.0–24.9, and obesity is 25.0 and above. A BMI of 27.8 falls into the obesity category because it is above 25.0. This reflects evidence that Asians can have greater body fat and central adiposity at lower BMIs, leading to higher risk for diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease even when BMI isn’t in the Western-obesity range.

Asian-specific BMI thresholds recognize higher cardiometabolic risk at lower BMI in many Asian populations. Under these guidelines, normal weight is roughly 18.5–22.9, pre-obesity/overweight is 23.0–24.9, and obesity is 25.0 and above. A BMI of 27.8 falls into the obesity category because it is above 25.0. This reflects evidence that Asians can have greater body fat and central adiposity at lower BMIs, leading to higher risk for diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease even when BMI isn’t in the Western-obesity range.