BMI Formula:
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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m²).
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 to account for higher body fat percentage and increased health risks at lower BMI levels compared to Western populations.
BMI Categories for Indian Females:
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and age in years. For accurate results, measure weight in light clothing and height without shoes. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0, age between 1-120).
Q1: Why are BMI categories different for Indians?
A: Indians have higher body fat percentage and increased metabolic risks at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians, necessitating different cutoff points.
Q2: Does age affect BMI interpretation for Indian females?
A: Yes, body composition changes with age. Older women may have higher body fat percentage at the same BMI compared to younger women.
Q3: What is a healthy BMI range for Indian women?
A: For Indian women, a BMI between 18.5 and 22.9 kg/m² is considered healthy and associated with lowest health risks.
Q4: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so it may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older adults with muscle loss.
Q5: Should pregnant women use this calculator?
A: No, BMI calculations are not accurate during pregnancy due to weight changes. Consult healthcare provider for appropriate weight guidance.