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BMI Formula:
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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.
The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of weight to height squared, providing a standardized measure of body fatness.
Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults. It helps healthcare professionals assess health risks associated with underweight, overweight, and obesity, and can indicate the need for further assessment and lifestyle modifications.
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 without shoes and heavy clothing.
Q1: What are the BMI categories for adults?
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 (high muscle mass), elderly (loss of muscle mass), or certain ethnic groups. It should be used as a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure.
Q3: Can BMI be used for children?
A: For children and teens, BMI is age and sex-specific and is interpreted using percentile charts rather than fixed categories.
Q4: What are the health risks associated with different BMI levels?
A: Both underweight and obesity are associated with increased health risks. Underweight may indicate malnutrition, while obesity increases risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
Q5: Should I rely solely on BMI for health assessment?
A: No. BMI should be used in conjunction with other measurements such as waist circumference, body composition analysis, and overall health assessment by a healthcare professional.