1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

3. Asian-Specific BMI Categories

Asian BMI Categories:

• < 18.5 — Underweight
• 18.5-22.9 — Normal range
• 23-24.9 — Overweight (At risk)
• 25-29.9 — Overweight (Moderately obese)
• ≥ 30 — Obese (Severely obese)

Note: Asian populations have different associations between BMI, percentage of body fat, and health risks compared to Caucasian populations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in centimeters, divide by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why different categories for Asians?
A: Asians generally have higher body fat percentage at lower BMI levels and higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians.

Q2: What are limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, and may not accurately reflect body fatness in athletes, elderly, or those with unusual body proportions.

Q3: Is BMI different for children?
A: Yes, children's BMI is age and sex-specific and should be compared against growth charts.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI for Asians?
A: For Asians, a BMI of 18.5-22.9 is generally considered healthy, with increased health risks above 23.

Q5: Should athletes use BMI?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular athletes. Additional measures like waist circumference or body fat percentage may be more appropriate.