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 cutoff values are different from international standards due to differences in body composition.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula adapted for feet input:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in feet (converted to meters by multiplying by 0.3048)

3. Indian-Specific BMI Categories

Indian Male BMI Categories:

• Underweight: BMI < 18.5 kg/m²
• Normal weight: 18.5-22.9 kg/m²
• Overweight (At risk): 23-24.9 kg/m²
• Overweight (Moderately obese): 25-29.9 kg/m²
• Overweight (Severely obese): ≥30 kg/m²

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in feet. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are BMI cutoffs different for Indians?
A: Indians have higher body fat percentage at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians, hence lower cutoff points for overweight/obesity.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for muscular individuals?
A: No, BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular people as it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass.

Q3: What's the ideal BMI for Indian males?
A: For Indian males, the ideal range is 18.5-22.9 kg/m² to minimize health risks.

Q4: Should elderly use the same BMI ranges?
A: Slightly higher BMI (up to 24.9) may be acceptable for elderly as some fat reserves can be protective.

Q5: What are limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for fat distribution, muscle mass, bone density, or ethnic differences in body composition.