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
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The equation divides a person's weight by the square of their height to categorize their weight status.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. For most people, BMI correlates with body fatness.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For men, the Australian Heart Foundation recommends maintaining a BMI between 20-25.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories for men?
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 increases risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.

Q3: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI range for Australian men?
A: The Heart Foundation recommends 20-25 for optimal cardiovascular health.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, waist circumference and other factors should also be considered for complete assessment.