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 weight in kilograms by the square of 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)

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 provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients. In Singapore, it's used to assess health risks associated with underweight and overweight.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in centimeters, 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: Is BMI different for men and women?
A: The same BMI formula applies to both men and women, though body composition differences mean the same BMI may correspond to different body fat percentages.

Q2: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes may have high BMI without excess fat. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.

Q3: Why are Singapore's BMI categories different?
A: Singapore uses lower BMI cut-offs because Asians tend to have higher body fat percentages at lower BMIs compared to Caucasians.

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

Q5: What's a healthy BMI for Singaporeans?
A: For Singapore adults, a BMI between 18.5 to 22.9 is considered healthy with lowest disease risk.