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 women over 65, specific cutoff points are used that differ from standard BMI classifications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass per unit of height squared, providing a standardized measure of body composition.

3. Asian-Specific Cutoffs for Women Over 65

Details: For Asian women over 65, the following adjusted classifications are used:

• 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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). The calculator will provide both the BMI value and the Asian-specific classification for women over 65.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why different cutoffs for Asian women over 65?
A: Asian populations tend to have higher body fat percentages at lower BMIs, and older women have different body composition than younger adults.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for elderly Asian women?
A: While useful for population screening, BMI may not account for individual variations in muscle mass and fat distribution.

Q3: What are health risks associated with high BMI?
A: Increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers at higher BMI levels.

Q4: When should additional measurements be taken?
A: Waist circumference and body composition analysis may provide additional useful information beyond BMI.

Q5: How often should BMI be checked?
A: For older women, annual checks are recommended unless weight changes significantly.