BMI Weight Chart for Seniors Female/Elderly Women Updated 2023

In a time when people have become more concerned with diet and exercise, an increase in the population with obesity and extremely higher body weight has also been noticed. Several parameters have been designed to estimate body fat. One of these methods is the use of BMI or body mass index which is one of the simplest methods of weight calculation. It can indicate if a person is under or overweight, obese, or has normal body mass. Let us take a detailed look at BMI and its calculation with a particular focus on its applications in the estimation of the ideal weight of 60-year-old women i.e. elderly female age group.

What is BMI?

BMI or body mass index is the parameter employed to make an estimation of body fat by taking into account the body weight and height of an individual. BMI is a well-established numerical system that gives a reliable insight into body weight and the subsequent weight adjustments needed to achieve what is called the ideal body weight.

How to calculate BMI?

A person’s BMI can be calculated by putting the values of weight and height in the units of pounds (lb) and inches (in) respectively in the given formula:

BMI = Weight (lb) / [Height (in)]² x 703

The weight can also be taken in kilograms (kgs) but for that, the height value must also be changed into the unit of meter square (m²).

Interpretation of the BMI results

Once you get the BMI score of your patient calculated by the BMI calculator for seniors, the next step is to check your weight status by using the following data:

BMI calculator for seniors

The BMI can be calculated by employing the following table in which weight is placed on the x-axis in both kilograms (kgs) and pounds (lbs) while the y-axis contains height in both inches (in) and centimeters (cm). The senior women’s weight chart value is matched with the height value to obtain the BMI which is then estimated based on the color codes given in the chart.

Height and weight chart for women over 60 used for the calculation of BMI

BMI for elderly women or female senior citizens

For women older than 60 years of age, the ideal weight to achieve the normal BMI often reaches 145 pounds. Although, this value varies depending upon a person’s other health parameters as the presence of any kind of ailment often restricts the weight loss efforts or, in other words, makes the obesity static. Here is the weight chart for senior females expressing their weight variations.

Weight chart for senior women

Weight ranges in elderly women

It can be summarized as the normal weight range for elderly women is from 110 to 170 pounds. In case the women become overweight, this value exceeds 143 pounds. In most cases, this elevated weight is an indication of the presence of a disease state. However, old age itself has its effects on human weight as the fat content of the body increases.

Prevalence of obesity in elderly women

Furthermore, when it comes to obesity, the statistics have manifested that elderly females are more likely to be obese as compared to men of the same age group. National Health Institute (NIH) has issued numerical data, based on the findings of National Health and Nutrition Surveys, indicating that the prevalence rate of obesity in elderly women i.e. women over 60 years of age is 39.4% while in elderly males, it is nearing 37.5%. This obesity further increases the chances of the development of multiple diseases.

Statistics related to the prevalence of obesity

How to maintain a healthy BMI?

Maintaining a BMI within the normal range helps in ensuring the health status to some extent. However, active steps are to be taken in order to hinder this BMI from shifting. Here are some of the things which can be done for the maintenance of a normal BMI:

• By eating a balanced meal that includes protein, carbohydrates, good fats, and fiber.
• By the addition of vegetables and fruits to the daily diet.
• By maintaining a routine of exercise.
• By avoiding processed food.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy weight with the progressing age is a challenge for many. Although its significance is undeniable as being overweight brings a number of health problems with it, the effort of keeping the weight within the healthy range is also difficult for the elderly. A BMI exceeding the normal value is mostly due to the presence of diseases such as stroke, diabetes, blood pressure, among others. Overall, the BMI for over 60-year-old women is a useful parameter for the determination of body fat followed by a subsequent adjustment of diet and lifestyle.