1. What is Body Mass Index (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: The formula calculates body mass index by comparing weight to height squared, providing a standardized measurement of body composition.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a useful population-level measure of overweight and obesity. It is the most widely used diagnostic tool to identify weight problems in adults, though it should be used as a screening tool rather than a diagnostic of body fatness.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure 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: <18.5, Normal weight: 18.5-24.9, Overweight: 25-29.9, Obesity: ≥30.

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

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

Q4: Can children use this calculator?
A: This calculator is designed for adults. Children and teens require age and sex-specific percentiles for accurate assessment.

Q5: 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.