BMI (WHO): Your Questions Answered
These are the questions people ask most often about bmi (who). Each answer is short; follow the links for the full detail.
What does a bmi (who) calculation tell me?
Calculates BMI with the international WHO categories.
What is the formula?
BMI = kg ÷ m².
What do I need to enter?
Weight (kg), Height (cm).
Is this a medical assessment?
No. These are general estimates. Speak to a doctor or polyclinic for advice about your health.
Can you show an example?
For example, with these inputs:
- Weight (kg): 68
- Height (cm): 170
the calculator returns:
- BMI: 23.53
- WHO category: Normal weight
Any tips?
- Healthy 365 and wearables give useful data, but treat their calorie figures as approximate.
- Singapore's heat and humidity raise fluid needs, especially when exercising outdoors.
- Measure at the same time of day, ideally in the morning, for consistent readings.
Background
Programmes such as the National Steps Challenge and the Healthy 365 app have made tracking activity common. Turning those numbers into distance, pace or calories helps set realistic goals for events like IPPT or a 10 km run.
Simple measurements such as weight, height and waist circumference are widely used to screen for health risks because they are cheap and easy to repeat. They are not diagnoses, but tracked over time they show whether lifestyle changes are working.
Research has shown that Asians tend to develop conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower body weights than Europeans. That is why the Health Promotion Board recommends lower BMI cut-offs for Singaporeans, with 23 marking the start of moderate risk.
Related calculations
- Running Pace Calculator: Calculates pace for runs like the Standard Chartered Marathon or IPPT 2.4 km.
- Calories Burned Calculator: Estimates calories burned with MET values.
- BMI Calculator (Asian Cut-offs): Singapore's Health Promotion Board uses lower BMI cut-offs for Asians because health risks rise at lower BMIs.
- BMR Calculator: Estimates calories your body burns at rest.
Try it yourself with the BMI Calculator (WHO).
Run your own numbers: BMI Calculator (WHO)