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.

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 reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. Maintaining a healthy BMI reduces the risk of various diseases including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

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 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 in athletes (who have more muscle mass), the elderly (who may have lost muscle mass), or certain ethnic groups.

Q3: Should children use the same BMI calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than the adult categories.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking BMI every few months is sufficient unless you are actively trying to lose or gain weight.

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.