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. BMI 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 your weight by the square of your height to determine your body mass index.

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 standard BMI categories may be adjusted slightly for older adults.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accuracy, measure your height without shoes and weight in light clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are BMI categories different for older women?
A: Some experts suggest a slightly higher BMI range (23-27) may be optimal for women over 60 compared to the standard 18.5-24.9 range.

Q2: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so very muscular people may have a high BMI without excess fat. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.

Q3: Should I be concerned if my BMI is slightly high?
A: For older women, being slightly overweight may not be harmful and may even provide some protection against osteoporosis. Consult your doctor.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks (every 3-6 months) can help track changes, but focus more on overall health, mobility, and how you feel.

Q5: What's a better measure than BMI for older adults?
A: Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio may provide additional information about health risks in older adults.