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. It is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

2. Asian BMI Classification

The World Health Organization recommends different BMI cutoff points for Asian populations:

Asian BMI Categories:

• < 18.5 — Underweight
• 18.5-22.9 — Normal weight
• 23-24.9 — Overweight (At risk)
• 25-29.9 — Overweight (Moderately obese)
• ≥ 30 — Obese (Severely obese)

Explanation: Asians generally have higher body fat percentage at lower BMI compared to Caucasians, hence the different classification.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert from cm to m by dividing by 100 (e.g., 170 cm = 1.70 m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why different BMI categories for Asians?
A: Asians have higher health risks at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians, including higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI range for Asians?
A: For most Asian adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 22.9 is considered healthy.

Q5: What other measures complement BMI?
A: Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio provide additional information about fat distribution.