Research on the Asian Indian phenotype has shown that many Indians carry more body fat, especially around the abdomen, than people of other ethnicities at the same body weight. This pattern is often called "thin-fat".
Why it matters
Fat stored around the waist is linked with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. As a result, health risk can rise at a lower BMI than the standard cut-offs suggest.
Better measures
Guidelines for Asian populations use lower BMI cut-offs, and waist circumference is a useful extra check. For South Asians, a waist above about 90 cm in men and 80 cm in women is commonly used as a warning level.
What to do
Regular physical activity, a diet rich in vegetables and fibre with fewer refined carbohydrates, and screening for blood sugar and cholesterol are sensible at any weight. Speak to your doctor about a plan that suits you.
