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 women, the BMI categories are slightly different than the WHO standard categories.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Indian-specific BMI categories for women:

• Underweight: BMI < 18.5 kg/m²
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5-22.9 kg/m²
• Overweight: BMI 23-27.4 kg/m²
• Obese: BMI ≥ 27.5 kg/m²

3. Importance of BMI for Indian Women

Details: Indian women have higher body fat percentage at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians. This calculator uses Asian-specific cutoffs that are more appropriate for Indian women.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and age in years. For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why different BMI categories for Indians?
A: Indians have higher body fat percentage and increased metabolic risks at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for pregnant women?
A: No, BMI should not be calculated during pregnancy as weight gain is expected and necessary.

Q3: What is a healthy BMI for Indian women over 50?
A: The same categories apply, but body composition changes with age. A BMI of 23-27 may be healthier for older women than very low BMI.

Q4: Does this calculator account for muscle mass?
A: No, BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletic women may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q5: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most women, checking every 3-6 months is sufficient unless under medical supervision for weight management.