1. What Is Body Mass Index?

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 standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass relative to height squared, providing a standardized measure for weight categories.

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. It is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure your weight without heavy clothing and height without shoes. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the standard BMI categories?
A: Underweight: BMI less than 18.5 kg/m²; Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²; Overweight: BMI 25-29.9 kg/m²; Obesity: BMI 30 kg/m² or greater.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI provides a general indicator of body fatness but doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial and sex differences.

Q3: Can athletes have a high BMI but be healthy?
A: Yes, athletes and muscular individuals may have a high BMI but low body fat due to increased muscle mass.

Q4: Are there different BMI calculations for children?
A: Yes, for children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is referred to as BMI-for-age.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range for adults?
A: For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy and associated with the lowest health risks.