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 women over 60, BMI ranges may have slightly different health implications than for younger adults.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The formula divides a person's weight by the square of their height to provide a standardized measure of body fatness.

3. Importance of BMI for Women Over 60

Details: For older women, BMI is still a useful screening tool but should be interpreted with caution as body composition changes with age. A slightly higher BMI (23-27) may be more optimal for women over 60 compared to younger adults.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert from cm to m by dividing by 100 (e.g., 165 cm = 1.65 m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for older women?
A: BMI remains a useful screening tool but may overestimate body fat in those who have lost muscle mass or underestimate it in those who are very muscular.

Q2: What is a healthy BMI for women over 60?
A: Many experts suggest 23-27 may be optimal, as slightly higher BMI in older age may be protective against osteoporosis and other conditions.

Q3: Should waist circumference be measured too?
A: Yes, waist circumference (≥88 cm or 35 inches indicates higher risk) provides additional information about abdominal fat distribution.

Q4: Are there better measures than BMI for older adults?
A: Body composition analysis (measuring muscle vs. fat) may be more informative but requires special equipment.

Q5: How often should older women check their BMI?
A: Annual checks are reasonable unless there are significant weight changes or health concerns.