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: The formula divides weight by the square of height to account for the fact that weight increases with the square of height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but it is not diagnostic of body fatness or health. It's a simple, inexpensive method of classifying underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For women, BMI categories may be interpreted slightly differently than for men.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Why is BMI important for heart health?
A: Higher BMI is associated with increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other conditions.

Q3: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution. Athletes may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks (every 6-12 months) can help track changes, but focus on overall health rather than just BMI.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range for Australian women?
A: The Heart Foundation recommends maintaining a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 for optimal health.