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: The formula divides weight by the square of height to account for the fact that weight increases with the square of height.

3. Importance of BMI for Women Over 60

Details: For women over 60, maintaining a healthy BMI is particularly important as it affects bone health, mobility, and risk of chronic diseases. The normal BMI range may be slightly higher for older adults compared to younger adults.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for older women?
A: BMI is a useful screening tool but may overestimate body fat in muscular individuals and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.

Q2: What is a healthy BMI for women over 60?
A: For older women, a BMI between 23-30 may be healthier than the standard 18.5-25 range, as slightly higher weight can protect against osteoporosis.

Q3: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, waist circumference, body composition, and other health markers should also be considered for a complete health assessment.

Q4: How often should older women check their BMI?
A: Every 6-12 months, or more frequently if working on weight management goals.

Q5: Can BMI be used for very short or tall women?
A: BMI may be less accurate for women under 5 feet or over 6 feet tall, and other measurements may be more appropriate.