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 simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive surrogate measure of body fat. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat, such as underwater weighing and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure your weight without heavy clothing and measure your height without shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the standard BMI categories?
A: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), Overweight (BMI 25-29.9), and Obesity (BMI ≥ 30).

Q2: Does BMI apply to everyone?
A: BMI may not accurately reflect body fat in athletes, pregnant women, the elderly, or children. It's a screening tool, not a diagnostic of body fatness or health.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking BMI once every 6-12 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy and associated with the lowest health risks.

Q5: Can BMI differentiate between muscle and fat?
A: No, BMI cannot distinguish between muscle and fat. Very muscular people may have a high BMI but not have excess body fat.