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

HPB Classification:

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

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.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter 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: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (who may have high muscle mass), pregnant women, the elderly, or children.

Q2: What are the health risks associated with high BMI?
A: Higher BMI is associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

Q3: What is a healthy BMI range for Asians?
A: For Asians, the healthy range is typically 18.5-22.9 due to higher health risks at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians.

Q4: Should I use BMI alone to assess my health?
A: No, BMI should be used alongside other measurements like waist circumference and body composition analysis.

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 lose or gain weight.