1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: BMI compares your weight to your height to estimate whether you're underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is an inexpensive and easy screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. For women over 50, it's particularly important as metabolism changes with age.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For South African women over 50, the same BMI categories apply but should be interpreted with consideration of age-related body composition changes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are BMI categories different for older women?
A: The standard categories apply, but interpretation should consider that older adults often have more body fat at the same BMI compared to younger adults.

Q2: What is a healthy BMI for women over 50?
A: The same range applies (18.5-24.9), but some experts suggest 23-27 may be optimal for older adults to account for age-related changes.

Q3: Does BMI account for muscle mass?
A: No, BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Very muscular people may have a high BMI without excess fat.

Q4: Are there better measures than BMI for older adults?
A: Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio may provide additional useful information about health risks.

Q5: Should South African women use different BMI standards?
A: The international standards apply, but ethnic-specific cutoffs may be more appropriate as body composition varies between populations.