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BMI Formula:
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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. For Indian females, specific BMI cut-offs are used due to differences in body composition and higher risk of metabolic diseases at lower BMI levels.
The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.
Details: For Indian females, the BMI categories are adjusted due to higher body fat percentage and increased health risks at lower BMI levels compared to Western populations.
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure weight in the morning after emptying bladder and before eating. Height should be measured without shoes.
Q1: Why are BMI categories different for Indian females?
A: Indian populations have higher body fat percentage and increased risk of metabolic diseases at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians.
Q2: What is a healthy BMI range for Indian women?
A: For Indian females, a BMI between 18.5 and 22.9 kg/m² is considered healthy and associated with lowest health risks.
Q3: Can BMI be inaccurate for athletes or muscular individuals?
A: Yes, BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and people with muscular build, as it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass.
Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For general monitoring, checking every 3-6 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.
Q5: Are there better alternatives to BMI?
A: While BMI is a useful screening tool, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat percentage provide more comprehensive assessment of health risks.