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

Singapore BMI Categories:

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

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. In Singapore, the BMI categories are adjusted to reflect the higher health risks at lower BMI levels for Asian populations.

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., 170 cm = 1.7 m). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are Singapore BMI categories different?
A: Asians tend to have higher body fat percentages at lower BMIs compared to Caucasians, so the risk categories are adjusted to reflect this.

Q2: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes may be classified as overweight despite having low body fat.

Q3: Is BMI different for males and females?
A: The calculation is the same, but healthy ranges may vary slightly due to natural differences in body composition.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 6-12 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI for Singaporeans?
A: For Singapore adults, the Health Promotion Board recommends maintaining a BMI between 18.5 and 22.9 for optimal health.