1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity in adults. For Asian populations, the BMI categories are adjusted to reflect higher health risks at lower BMI levels.

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)

Asian-specific BMI categories:

• Underweight: <18.5 kg/m²
• Normal weight: 18.5-22.9 kg/m²
• Overweight (At risk): 23-24.9 kg/m²
• Overweight (Moderately obese): 25-29.9 kg/m²
• Obese: ≥30 kg/m²

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. For Asian men, health risks increase at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasian populations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in centimeters, divide by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why different BMI categories for Asians?
A: Asians generally have higher body fat percentage at lower BMI levels and higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians.

Q2: What are limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so muscular individuals may be classified as overweight. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.

Q3: Is BMI accurate for elderly Asian men?
A: BMI may be less accurate in elderly as muscle mass decreases with age. Waist circumference may be a better indicator.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI range for Asian men?
A: Generally 18.5-22.9 kg/m², though individual factors like muscle mass should be considered.

Q5: Should athletes use BMI?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular athletes. Body fat percentage measurements may be more appropriate.