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: 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 is widely used as a screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and 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 fatness in athletes, elderly, or those with high muscle mass as it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat.

Q3: Can BMI be used for children?
A: BMI calculations for children and teens use age and sex-specific percentiles rather than the adult categories.

Q4: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial and sex differences.

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.