Geriatric BMI
This geriatric BMI calculator is designed for those above the age of 65. It will compute your BMI based on your height and weight and decide whether you are underweight, overweight, or at a healthy weight. Read on to learn why BMI isn’t accurate for the elderly and what BMI values are considered healthy for seniors.
Are you under the age of 65, thus the BMI calculator for the elderly isn’t appropriate for you? Check out our selection of BMI calculators to pick the one that’s ideal for you:
Why is BMI not accurate for elderly?
The body mass index (BMI) is a number derived from a person’s weight and height. A BMI of above 25 is linked to a greater all-cause mortality rate and a higher chance of developing different illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. As a result, the normal BMI ranges have been calculated to be between 18.5 and 25 kg/m2.
BMI has certain restrictions, even though it can be used on most adults:
- It may overestimate body fat in athletes and people who have a muscular build; and
- It may underestimate body fat in older persons and people who do not have a lot of muscle tissue.
BMI for older adults – geriatric BMI guidelines
We think we’ve answered the question “Why is BMI not accurate for the elderly?” but who are we talking about when we say “the elderly”? An elder person, according to WHO, is someone who is 65 years old or older (often 60 years old). Different BMI categories for older persons were established based on the significant studies, with a healthy weight defined as a BMI range from 23 to 29.9 kg/m2.
But why are the BMI guidelines for the elderly differ from those for the general population? The human body changes with age, with older people having more fatty tissue than younger people. Furthermore, a higher BMI is linked to more energy storage and a better overall nutritional status. When major chronic health disorders (typically related to aging) arise, this is critical.
BMI chart for elderly
We’ve included a BMI chart for seniors as well as a conventional BMI chart below.
- BMI chart for seniors.
| BMI | Weight status |
|---|---|
| <23 kg/m² | Underweight |
| 23-29.9 kg/m² | Normal weight |
| >= 30 kg/m² | Overweight/obese |
- BMI chart for the general population.
| BMI | Weight status |
|---|---|
| <18.5 kg/m² | Underweight |
| 18.5-24.9 kg/m² | Normal weight |
| 24.9-29.9 kg/m² | Overweight |
| >=30 kg/m² | Obese |
Geriatric BMI calculator
What is the procedure for using the geriatric BMI calculator?
- It calculates BMI from the regular equation showed below:
BMI = weight [kg] / height² [m²]
- Don’t worry about the units! Our geriatric BMI calculator has a built in weight and length converter, so you can use either the metric or imperial system.
- Once BMI is calculated, a BMI category for the elderly is assigned.
Let’s use a practical example to make sure that everything is clear. We will calculate BMI for 70-year-old Audrey who is 162 cm tall and weighs 70 kilograms.
BMI = weight [kg] / height² [m²]
BMI = 70/ 1.62²
BMI = 70/ 2.6244
BMI = 26.7
