1. What is BMI?

Definition: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on your weight in relation to your height.

Purpose: It provides a simple numeric measure to help classify weight categories that may lead to health problems.

2. How Does the BMI Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( BMI \) — Body Mass Index (kg/m²)
• \( W \) — Weight (kilograms)
• \( H \) — Height (meters)

Explanation: Your weight in kilograms is divided by the square of your height in meters.

3. BMI Categories (Australian Standards)

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
• Healthy weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
• Obese: BMI 30 or higher

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., 175cm = 1.75m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI is a useful screening tool but doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition. Athletes and pregnant women may get misleading results.

Q2: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy according to Australian health guidelines.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks (every 6-12 months) can help track changes, but focus more on overall health and lifestyle.

Q4: Where can I get more health advice?
A: Visit health.gov.au or consult your GP for personalized advice.

Q5: Does BMI differ for children?
A: Yes, children's BMI is interpreted differently using age and sex-specific percentile charts.