Researchers suggest that it is wise to work with new BMI charts thresholds different populations.
Currently, a BMI of 30kg / 2m or greater is defined as obese, but people of South Asian and Chinese descent and have a similar risk of diabetes at a lower BMI than white people.
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence earlier this year called for further studies to define the threshold for obesity populations.
Researchers from the University of Glasgow analyzed data of 490 288 people and concluded the following. Diabetes in Caucasians is classified as a BMI of at least 30. South Asians with this is the case with a BMI of at least 22. In people of Chinese descent is the case at 24.
The study is published online in the journal Diabetes Care.