1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: BMI compares your weight to your height to estimate body fat. Higher BMI values indicate higher body fatness.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's a simple, inexpensive method of screening for weight categories.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For Australians, weight can be measured in kg and height should be converted from cm to m (divide by 100).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI different for women?
A: The same BMI categories apply to both men and women, though women tend to have more body fat at the same BMI.

Q3: What is a healthy BMI in Australia?
A: For Australian adults, a healthy BMI range is 18.5 to 24.9.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution. Athletes may have high BMI with low body fat.

Q5: Should pregnant women use BMI?
A: BMI calculations during pregnancy aren't accurate. Consult your healthcare provider for weight guidance during pregnancy.