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 men over 65, 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:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass per unit of height squared. For older men, the interpretation of results considers age-specific health risks.

3. Importance of BMI for Older Men

Details: For men over 65, a slightly higher BMI (23-27) may be healthier than for younger adults, as very low BMI can indicate muscle loss and frailty. However, obesity (BMI ≥ 27.5) still increases health risks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert from cm by dividing by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m). Measurements should be recent for accurate results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a healthy BMI for men over 65?
A: NHS suggests 23-27 may be optimal, compared to 18.5-25 for younger adults. However, individual health factors should be considered.

Q2: Does BMI account for muscle mass?
A: No, BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletic older men may have higher BMI without excess fat.

Q3: Should waist measurement be considered too?
A: Yes, waist circumference (>102 cm or 40 inches) indicates increased health risks regardless of BMI.

Q4: How often should older men check BMI?
A: Every 6-12 months, or when significant weight changes occur. Regular monitoring helps detect unintentional weight loss/gain.

Q5: Are there better measures than BMI for seniors?
A: Some experts recommend also assessing muscle mass, strength, and physical function for a complete picture of health.