1. What is Body Mass Index?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. The result provides a numeric value that falls into specific weight categories.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is an important screening tool that helps identify potential weight problems in adults. It can indicate whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, which are categories associated with various health risks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years, and select gender. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0, age between 1-120).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Does BMI apply to children and teens?
A: BMI for children and teens is interpreted differently, using age and gender-specific percentile charts rather than fixed categories.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so it may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older adults with muscle loss.

Q4: How often should BMI be calculated?
A: For most adults, calculating BMI annually is sufficient unless there are significant weight changes or health concerns.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, BMI should be used as a screening tool along with other assessments like waist circumference, diet, physical activity, and family history.