1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: 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.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a screening tool that can indicate whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. It helps assess health risks associated with weight and guides appropriate interventions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For accurate results, measure weight and height precisely.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories?
A: Underweight: BMI < 18.5; Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9; Overweight: BMI 25-29.9; Obesity: BMI ≥ 30.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not accurately reflect body fat percentage in athletes (who may have more muscle mass) or the elderly (who may have lost muscle mass).

Q3: Can BMI be used for children?
A: BMI for children and teens is interpreted differently, using age and sex-specific percentile charts rather than the adult categories.

Q4: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, doesn't account for fat distribution, and may not be accurate for certain ethnic groups or body types.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, BMI should be used alongside other measurements like waist circumference, body fat percentage, and overall health assessment.