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 simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

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 divides a person's weight by the square of their height to calculate their body mass index.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. While it doesn't directly measure body fat, it correlates with more direct measures of body fat and offers a inexpensive method of screening 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: BMI less than 18.5; Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9; Overweight: BMI 25-29.9; Obesity: BMI 30 or greater.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not accurately reflect body fat percentage in athletes (who may have higher muscle mass), the elderly, or certain ethnic groups. It should be used as a screening tool rather than a diagnostic of body fatness.

Q3: Can children use this calculator?
A: This calculator is designed for adults. Children and teens need age and sex-specific percentile calculations for accurate assessment.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking BMI once every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your 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.