BMI Calculator for Women
While the BMI formula itself is the same for everyone, how you **interpret** the result differs between men and women. Women naturally carry a higher percentage of body fat than men at the same BMI, and hormonal changes across life stages — puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and post-menopause — further influence what a 'healthy' BMI means. This calculator applies the standard WHO formula but layers on female-specific context: it notes that a BMI of 22–23 is associated with the lowest all-cause mortality risk in large female cohorts, flags considerations for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and provides age-adjusted commentary for women over 50 where a slightly higher BMI (23–27) may actually be protective.
Your Details
Applies lower thresholds for overweight/obese per WHO Asia guidelines.
Example Use Cases
A 28-year-old woman, 165 cm, 62 kg — BMI 22.8, solidly in the normal range with low health risk.
A 55-year-old woman, 160 cm, 70 kg — BMI 27.3, technically overweight, but research suggests BMIs of 23–27 in post-menopausal women are not associated with increased mortality.
How to Interpret Your Results
For women, BMI should always be paired with waist circumference. A waist over 80 cm (31.5 in) indicates elevated visceral fat risk regardless of BMI category. Pregnant women should not use BMI as a health assessment; gestational weight gain guidelines are based on pre-pregnancy BMI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology & Limitations
Formulas Used
**BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²**. The formula was devised by Adolphe Quetelet in the 1830s and adopted by the WHO for population-level screening.
Page-Specific Notes
This page uses the same WHO BMI formula and standard cut-offs. Additional female-specific commentary is drawn from prospective cohort studies on BMI and mortality in women.
Limitations
BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat mass. Athletes, pregnant women, the elderly, and highly muscular individuals may receive misleading results. BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure.
Sources & Citations
- World Health Organization. Obesity and Overweight Fact Sheet. 2024.
- WHO Expert Consultation. Appropriate body-mass index for Asian populations. Lancet. 2004;363(9403):157-163.
Medical Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on published formulas and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or exercise routine.
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