1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight to assess body fatness. For women in South Africa, BMI provides a general indicator of whether weight falls within a healthy range.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• Weight — Measured in kilograms (kg)
• Height — Measured in meters (m)

Explanation: The formula divides weight by the square of height to provide a standardized measure of body weight relative to height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. For South African women, it's particularly important due to high rates of obesity-related conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accuracy, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories for South African women?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: Yes, BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q3: How does BMI differ for South African women?
A: South African women tend to have higher body fat percentages at lower BMIs compared to European populations.

Q4: Should pregnant women use BMI?
A: BMI calculations are not accurate during pregnancy due to weight changes.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range for South African women?
A: Generally 18.5-24.9, though individual health factors should also be considered.