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
• \( height \) — Height in meters

3. BMI Categories for Australian Men

Australian BMI Categories:

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
• Obese: BMI 30 or greater

Note: While BMI is a useful screening tool, it doesn't directly measure body fat and may not account for muscle mass, bone density, or ethnic variations.

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For most accurate results, measure your height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI different for men and women?
A: The same BMI ranges apply to both men and women, though men typically have more muscle mass which can affect interpretation.

Q2: What is a healthy BMI for Australian men?
A: For Australian men, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy.

Q3: Why might BMI be inaccurate for some men?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular individuals and underestimate it in older men who have lost muscle mass.

Q4: Are there better alternatives to BMI?
A: Waist circumference or body fat percentage measurements may provide more accurate health assessments for some individuals.

Q5: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 3-6 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.