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BMI Formula:
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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 defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m²).
The calculator uses the BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems objectively with their patients.
Details: BMI is an inexpensive and easy screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. For Indian males, BMI cut-offs may be lower than international standards due to higher body fat percentages at lower BMIs.
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For Indian males, the calculator provides BMI values that should be interpreted with Asian-specific cut-offs.
Q1: What are the BMI categories for Indian males?
A: For Indians: Underweight (<18.5), Normal (18.5-22.9), Overweight (23-24.9), Obese (≥25). These are lower than international standards.
Q2: Why are BMI cut-offs different for Indians?
A: Indians have higher body fat percentage at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians, and higher risk of metabolic diseases at lower BMIs.
Q3: What are limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, and may misclassify muscular individuals as overweight. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.
Q4: Is BMI accurate for tall or short people?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in tall individuals and underestimate it in short individuals. Other measures like waist circumference may be helpful.
Q5: Should athletes use BMI?
A: Athletes with high muscle mass may have high BMI without excess fat. Additional measures like body fat percentage are more appropriate.