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 equation divides your weight by the square of your height to determine your body mass index.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. For New Zealand women, it helps assess whether you're at a healthy weight for your height.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For example, 165 cm would be entered as 1.65. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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

Q3: What is a healthy BMI for New Zealand women?
A: The healthy range is 18.5-24.9, though this may vary slightly based on ethnicity and other factors.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution.

Q5: Should athletes use BMI?
A: Very muscular people may have a high BMI without excess fat. Additional measurements may be needed.