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. For South Asian populations like India, the cutoff points are adjusted to reflect higher health risks at lower BMI levels.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula with South Asian specific categories:

South Asian Categories:

• <18.5 — Underweight
• 18.5-22.9 — Normal weight (increased risk)
• 23-27.4 — Overweight (high risk)
• ≥27.5 — Obese (very high risk)

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a quick screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. For Indian men, the risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease increase at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasian populations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in cm, divide by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What is a healthy BMI for Indian men?
A: 18.5-22.9 kg/m², though athletes with high muscle mass may have higher BMI without increased risk.

Q3: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Waist circumference and other measures may provide additional information.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 6-12 months is sufficient unless actively trying to change weight.

Q5: Should elderly use the same BMI ranges?
A: Slightly higher BMI (up to 24.9) may be acceptable in elderly as some fat reserve can be protective.