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 weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.

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 provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness.

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 of an individual.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial/ethnic differences.

Q3: Is BMI different for children?
A: Yes, BMI for children is age and sex-specific and is referred to as BMI-for-age.

Q4: How often should BMI be checked?
A: For adults, annual measurement is typically sufficient unless significant weight changes occur.

Q5: What was special about Australian BMI data from 2019-2023?
A: This period saw changes in population weight trends due to various factors including pandemic-related lifestyle changes.