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. It is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

2. BMI Calculation for South Asian Men

The standard BMI formula is:

Special Considerations for South Asian Men:

• Overweight threshold: >23 kg/m² (vs >25 for Caucasians)
• Obese threshold: >27.5 kg/m² (vs >30 for Caucasians)
• Higher risk of metabolic diseases at lower BMI levels

3. Importance of BMI Measurement

Details: BMI is an important screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. For South Asian populations, the risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease begin at lower BMI levels than in Caucasian populations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in centimeters, divide by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m). The calculator uses adjusted cutoffs specifically for South Asian men.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why different BMI cutoffs for South Asians?
A: South Asians have higher body fat percentage at lower BMI levels and greater risk of metabolic diseases at any given BMI compared to Caucasians.

Q2: What is a healthy BMI range for Indian men?
A: For Indian men, 18.5-23 kg/m² is considered healthy, 23-27.5 is overweight, and above 27.5 is obese.

Q3: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so muscular individuals may be misclassified. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.

Q4: Should elderly men use the same BMI ranges?
A: Slightly higher BMI ranges may be acceptable for elderly, but consultation with a doctor is recommended.

Q5: What other measurements complement BMI?
A: Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio provide additional information about fat distribution and health risks.