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 women over 50, BMI is particularly important as metabolism changes with age.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of BMI for Women Over 50

Details: After 50, women experience hormonal changes that affect weight distribution and metabolism. Monitoring BMI helps assess health risks associated with weight, including osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight in light clothing. The calculator provides Australian-specific classifications for women over 50.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are BMI categories different for older women?
A: Yes, for women over 50, a slightly higher BMI (up to 27) may be healthier as very low BMI increases osteoporosis risk.

Q2: What's a healthy BMI range for Australian women over 50?
A: The ideal range is 22-27, balancing metabolic health with bone density protection.

Q3: Does BMI account for muscle vs fat?
A: No, BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Active women may have higher BMI from muscle mass.

Q4: Should waist measurement also be considered?
A: Yes, waist circumference (>80cm for Australian women) indicates abdominal fat, an additional health risk factor.

Q5: How often should women over 50 check their BMI?
A: Annually, or when experiencing significant weight changes, as metabolism slows with age.