1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obesity in adults. This calculator follows Australian Heart Foundation guidelines specifically for women.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Classification for Women:

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5 kg/m²
• Healthy 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. For women, maintaining a healthy BMI is particularly important for cardiovascular health.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use BMI?
A: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening method for weight category - underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.

Q2: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or racial and sex differences.

Q3: Is BMI different for women?
A: While the calculation is the same, women typically have more body fat than men at the same BMI. The health implications may also differ.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI range for women?
A: According to the Australian Heart Foundation, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy for most adult women.

Q5: Should athletes use BMI?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and others with muscular builds. Additional measurements may be needed.