Geriatric BMI Calculator
Calculate BMI using the geriatric thresholds — adults 65+ have the lowest mortality at BMI 23–30, higher than younger adults.
What is Geriatric BMI?
Multiple large studies (notably the Cochrane meta-analysis by Winter et al., 2014) show that adults aged 65 and older have the lowest all-cause mortality at a higher BMI than younger adults. Slight "overweight" by adult standards may actually be protective in older age — a phenomenon known as the obesity paradox.
How is it calculated?
The geriatric calculator uses BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)² with adjusted bands: < 23 underweight, 23–30 healthy, 30–35 overweight, ≥ 35 obese.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are geriatric thresholds higher?
- A small reserve of body weight protects against illness, falls and undernutrition.
- Should older adults still try to lose weight?
- Only if there are clear health reasons. Maintaining muscle is more important than reaching a specific BMI.
- Does this apply to all 65+ adults?
- It applies to community-dwelling older adults; clinical situations vary.