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)

3. Singapore BMI Classification

Singapore Health Promotion Board Classification:

• Below 18.5: Underweight
• 18.5 to 22.9: Normal weight
• 23.0 to 27.4: Overweight (At Risk)
• 27.5 and above: Obese (High Risk)

Note: Singapore uses lower BMI cut-offs than WHO standards due to higher health risks at lower BMI levels in Asian populations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in cm, divide by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are Singapore BMI standards different?
A: Asians tend to have higher body fat percentage at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians, increasing health risks at lower thresholds.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for muscular individuals?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular people as it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass.

Q3: What's a healthy BMI range for Singaporean men?
A: For Singaporean men, the healthy range is 18.5-22.9 kg/m².

Q4: Should elderly use the same BMI standards?
A: Slightly higher BMI may be acceptable for elderly as some studies suggest BMI 23-27 may be optimal for those over 65.

Q5: What other measurements complement BMI?
A: Waist circumference and body fat percentage provide additional information about health risks.