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BMI Formula:
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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obesity in adults. For Asian women, the healthy range is typically 18.5-22.9 kg/m².
The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates body mass per unit of height squared, providing a standardized measure of body composition.
Details: Asian populations tend to have higher body fat percentages at lower BMIs compared to Caucasians. Therefore, the healthy range for Asian women is typically lower (18.5-22.9 kg/m²) than the general population (18.5-24.9 kg/m²).
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). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).
Q1: Why is the healthy range different for Asian women?
A: Asian populations have been shown to have higher risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease at lower BMIs compared to Caucasians.
Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes with high muscle mass may have high BMI without excess fat. It may also be less accurate in elderly or pregnant women.
Q3: What's the best time to measure weight?
A: First thing in the morning after using the bathroom and before eating, wearing minimal clothing for most consistent results.
Q4: Should I be concerned if my BMI is slightly above 22.9?
A: Consult with a healthcare professional. Other factors like waist circumference, body fat percentage, and overall health should be considered.
Q5: Are there better alternatives to BMI?
A: Other measures like waist-to-hip ratio or body fat percentage may provide additional information, but BMI remains widely used for its simplicity.