1. What is the Body Mass Index Formula?

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( H \) — 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 screening tool that can indicate whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. However, it doesn't directly measure body fat and should be used as one of many factors in assessing health.

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 height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (who may have high muscle mass), pregnant women, the elderly, or children. Other measurements like waist circumference may provide additional information.

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

Q4: Can children use the same BMI calculation?
A: Children and teens need age and sex-specific percentile interpretations rather than the standard BMI categories used for adults.

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.