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 Asians, the cutoffs are adjusted due to higher health risks at lower BMI levels.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula with adjusted interpretation for South Asians:

South Asian Classification:

• Underweight: BMI < 18.5 kg/m²
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5-23 kg/m²
• Overweight: BMI >23-25 kg/m²
• Obese: BMI >25 kg/m²

3. South Asian BMI Guidelines

Details: South Asians have higher body fat percentage and increased metabolic risks at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians. The World Health Organization recommends lower BMI cutoffs for Asian populations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in centimeters, divide by 100 (e.g., 170 cm = 1.70 m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why different BMI cutoffs for South Asians?
A: South Asians develop diabetes and cardiovascular disease at lower BMI levels due to differences in body composition.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for athletes?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular individuals and underestimate it in older people with less muscle mass.

Q3: What's a healthy BMI for South Asians?
A: Aim for 18.5-23 kg/m², though individual factors like muscle mass and fat distribution should be considered.

Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than adult categories.

Q5: What's next if my BMI is high?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for further assessment including waist circumference and metabolic tests.