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 a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

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 calculates body mass per unit of height squared, providing a standardized measure of body composition.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is an important screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It helps identify potential weight problems in adults, though it doesn't directly measure body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For Singaporeans, the following categories apply:

• Underweight: BMI < 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5-22.9
• Overweight (At Risk): BMI 23-27.4
• Obese (High Risk): BMI ≥ 27.5

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI important in Singapore?
A: Singapore has specific BMI cut-offs that are lower than international standards, as Asians tend to have higher body fat percentages at lower BMIs.

Q2: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes may be classified as overweight despite having low body fat.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For adults, checking every 3-6 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.

Q4: Are there better alternatives to BMI?
A: For more accurate assessment, body fat percentage measurements or waist-to-hip ratio may be used alongside BMI.

Q5: Does BMI apply to children?
A: No, children's BMI is interpreted differently using age- and sex-specific percentile charts.