1. What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

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:

• \( Weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( Height \) — Height in centimeters (cm)

Explanation: The formula converts height from centimeters to meters (by dividing by 100) and then calculates the ratio of weight to the square of height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. It helps categorize individuals into underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese categories, which can indicate potential health risks associated with weight.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For accurate results, measure weight and height without shoes and heavy clothing.

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 in athletes (high muscle mass), elderly (loss of muscle mass), or certain ethnic groups.

Q3: Can BMI be used for children?
A: BMI calculations for children and teens use the same formula but are interpreted differently using age and sex-specific percentile charts.

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 very tall or short individuals.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, BMI should be used alongside other measurements like waist circumference, body composition analysis, and overall health assessment.