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. For Singaporean women, the average BMI typically falls between 21-23 kg/m².

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 divides a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: 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. For Singaporean women, maintaining a BMI between 18.5-23 is considered healthy.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, 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 is the average BMI for Singaporean women?
A: The average BMI for Singaporean women typically falls between 21-23 kg/m², which is within the normal range.

Q2: Are BMI categories different for Asians?
A: Yes, for Asian populations including Singaporeans, overweight is defined as BMI ≥ 23 kg/m² (vs ≥ 25 for Caucasians) and obesity as BMI ≥ 27.5 kg/m².

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so very muscular people may have a high BMI without excess fat. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.

Q4: Is BMI accurate for elderly women?
A: BMI may be less accurate in elderly as they tend to lose muscle mass. Other measurements like waist circumference may be more informative.

Q5: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking BMI every 6-12 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.