1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight to assess body fatness. For older women, BMI ranges may be interpreted differently to account for age-related changes in body composition.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: The formula divides weight by the square of height to estimate body fatness.

3. BMI Interpretation for Older Women

Details: For older women (65+ years), slightly higher BMI ranges may be considered normal:

• Underweight: < 23 kg/m²
• Normal weight: 23-27 kg/m²
• Overweight: 27-32 kg/m²
• Obese: > 32 kg/m²

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For pounds and inches, convert first (1 kg = 2.2 lbs, 1 m = 39.37 inches).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are BMI ranges different for older women?
A: Older adults naturally lose muscle mass and gain fat, so slightly higher BMI ranges may be healthier.

Q2: What are limitations of BMI for older women?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, and may underestimate obesity in those with significant muscle loss (sarcopenia).

Q3: Should older women aim for lower BMI?
A: No, studies show slightly higher BMI (23-27) may be protective against mortality in older adults.

Q4: What other measurements help assess weight in older women?
A: Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio provide additional information about fat distribution.

Q5: When should an older woman be concerned about BMI?
A: If BMI is below 23 (risk of malnutrition) or above 32 (increased health risks), consult a healthcare provider.