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 Indian males, the cutoffs are adjusted to reflect higher health risks at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

With Indian-specific classifications:

• <18.5 kg/m² — Underweight
• 18.5-22.9 kg/m² — Normal weight
• 23-24.9 kg/m² — Overweight
• ≥25 kg/m² — Obese

3. Importance of BMI for Indian Males

Details: Indians have higher body fat percentage at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians, leading to increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at BMI >23 kg/m².

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in cm, divide by 100 (e.g., 170 cm = 1.7 m). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why different BMI cutoffs for Indians?
A: Indians have higher body fat percentage and greater abdominal obesity at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians.

Q2: What are the health risks of high BMI?
A: Increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases at BMI >23 kg/m².

Q3: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q4: What's the ideal BMI for Indian males?
A: 18.5-22.9 kg/m² is considered optimal for metabolic health in Indian males.

Q5: Should waist circumference also be measured?
A: Yes, waist circumference (>90 cm for Indian men) is an important additional measure of abdominal obesity.