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. This calculator is specifically calibrated for Australian women based on 2019 population data.

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 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. For Australian women, BMI categories are particularly significant due to different body composition patterns compared to other populations.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories for Australian women?
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 distinguish between muscle and fat mass, so athletes may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 6-12 months is sufficient unless undergoing significant weight changes.

Q4: Is BMI different for Australian women?
A: The formula is the same, but interpretation may consider local body composition trends and health risks.

Q5: Should BMI be used alone for health assessment?
A: No, it should be used alongside other measures like waist circumference and overall health assessment.