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 weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.

2. Asian BMI Categories for Women Over 50

For Asian women over 50, the following adjusted BMI categories are recommended:

• Underweight: BMI < 18.5 kg/m²
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5–22.9 kg/m²
• Overweight: BMI 23–27.4 kg/m²
• Obese: BMI ≥ 27.5 kg/m²

These cutoffs are lower than standard BMI categories because Asians have higher health risks at lower BMI levels.

3. Health Implications

Details: For Asian women over 50, maintaining a BMI in the normal range is particularly important as it reduces risks of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease which increase after menopause.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert from centimeters by dividing by 100 (e.g., 160 cm = 1.60 m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why different BMI categories for Asians?
A: Asians tend to have higher body fat percentage at lower BMI levels and develop obesity-related diseases at lower BMIs than Caucasians.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for elderly women?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in older women due to muscle loss, but it remains a useful screening tool when combined with other measurements.

Q3: What's a healthy BMI for Asian women over 50?
A: Aim for 18.5–22.9 kg/m², though individual health factors should also be considered.

Q4: Should I worry if my BMI is in the overweight range?
A: Consult your doctor. Even modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can significantly improve health markers.

Q5: What if my BMI is normal but I have a large waist?
A: Waist circumference (>80 cm for Asian women) is an important additional measure of health risk.