1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's widely used in Australia, Indonesia, and globally as a simple indicator of weight status.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The formula divides weight by the square of height to provide a standardized measure of body weight relative to height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI helps identify potential weight problems in adults. While not a direct measure of body fat, it correlates with more direct measures and can indicate health risks associated with being underweight, overweight, or obese.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in centimeters, divide by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the standard BMI categories?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older adults with lost muscle mass.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks (every 6-12 months) can help track changes, but focus should be on overall health.

Q4: Are there different BMI standards for Asians?
A: Some countries use lower BMI thresholds for Asians due to higher health risks at lower BMI levels.

Q5: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children need age- and sex-specific BMI percentile charts rather than adult categories.