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BMI Formula:
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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.
The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula divides your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. This gives a standardized measure that can be compared across different heights.
Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. For Indian men, BMI thresholds may need adjustment as they tend to have higher body fat percentage at lower BMIs compared to Caucasians.
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in centimeters, divide by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).
Q1: What are the BMI categories for Indian men?
A: For Indians: Underweight (<18.5), Normal (18.5-22.9), Overweight (23-24.9), Obese (≥25). These are lower than WHO standards due to higher body fat percentage at lower BMI.
Q2: Is BMI accurate for muscular individuals?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes with high muscle mass and underestimate it in older people with less muscle mass.
Q3: Why is BMI different for Indians?
A: Indians have higher body fat percentage and more abdominal fat at lower BMIs compared to Caucasians, increasing health risks at lower thresholds.
Q4: What are the health risks of high BMI?
A: Increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. For Indians, risks start at lower BMI levels.
Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No. Waist circumference, body fat percentage, and other measures provide additional important information about health risks.