1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It's calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.

2. Adjusted BMI for Older Men

For men over 65 years, the normal BMI range is adjusted to 23-29 kg/m² (compared to 18.5-24.9 for younger adults), as slightly higher BMI may be protective in older age.

Adjusted Categories for Men >65:

• Underweight: <23 kg/m²
• Normal weight: 23-29 kg/m²
• Overweight: >29 kg/m²

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI screening helps identify potential weight problems in older adults, though it should be interpreted with other health indicators as muscle mass decreases with age.

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).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the BMI range different for older men?
A: Research shows slightly higher BMI may be protective against mortality in older adults, as very low BMI can indicate frailty or muscle loss.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for older adults?
A: BMI has limitations as it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Waist circumference and other measures may provide additional useful information.

Q3: Should older men try to lose weight if BMI is high?
A: Weight management should focus on maintaining muscle mass through protein intake and exercise, rather than just weight loss.

Q4: What if my BMI is just below 23?
A: Consult a healthcare provider, as unintentional weight loss in older adults can be concerning and may require evaluation.

Q5: Are there better alternatives to BMI for seniors?
A: Some experts recommend combining BMI with waist circumference measurements or body composition analysis for better assessment.