1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) 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

Explanation: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is an important screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. For Singaporean men, the following categories apply:

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert from cm to m by dividing by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI different for Singaporeans?
A: Asian populations, including Singaporeans, have higher health risks at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians, hence the lower thresholds.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for muscular people?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and those with muscular builds, as muscle weighs more than fat.

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

Q4: Should elderly men use the same BMI ranges?
A: For elderly, slightly higher BMI (up to 24.9) may be acceptable as some body fat can be protective.

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