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:

• \( W \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( H \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass index by dividing weight by the square of height, providing a standardized measure of body weight relative to height.

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 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 percentage in athletes (who have more muscle mass), the elderly, or those with unusual body compositions.

Q3: Can BMI be used for children?
A: BMI calculations for children and teens consider age and sex in addition to height and weight, using percentile rankings rather than fixed categories.

Q4: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, doesn't account for fat distribution, and may not be accurate for certain ethnic groups or body types.

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