1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. For older adults (60+ years), 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
• \( height \) — Height in meters

3. BMI Interpretation for Older Women

For women over 60:

• Underweight: BMI below 18.5
• Healthy weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
• Obese: BMI 30 or higher

Note: Some studies suggest optimal BMI for older adults may be slightly higher (23-27) to account for age-related changes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in centimeters, divide by 100 (e.g., 165 cm = 1.65 m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for older adults?
A: BMI remains useful but may overestimate fat in those with muscle loss or underestimate fat in those with normal weight but high body fat.

Q2: What's a healthy BMI for women over 60?
A: NHS recommends 18.5-24.9, but some research suggests 23-27 may be better for longevity in older adults.

Q3: Should older women try to lose weight?
A: Weight loss should be carefully considered as unintentional weight loss in older adults can be harmful. Consult a doctor.

Q4: Are there better measures than BMI?
A: Waist circumference and body composition tests may provide additional useful information.

Q5: Why does BMI interpretation change with age?
A: Because muscle mass decreases and fat distribution changes with age, affecting health risks at different BMI levels.