1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Classification:

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5 kg/m²
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m²
• Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9 kg/m²
• Obese: BMI 30 kg/m² or greater

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert from cm to m by dividing by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (who may have high muscle mass), pregnant women, the elderly, or children.

Q2: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, and doesn't account for fat distribution which may affect health risks.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q4: Does BMI differ for men and women?
A: The same BMI ranges apply to both men and women, though women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q5: Where can I get more information?
A: Visit the Australian Government Department of Health website for more resources on healthy weight management.