1. What is 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.

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 in kilograms by the square of height in meters.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight and may indicate potential health risks associated with being underweight.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). The calculator will determine if you are underweight based on the standard BMI classification.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What BMI range is considered underweight?
A: A BMI below 18.5 is classified as underweight for adults.

Q2: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: Yes, BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial/sex differences. It may not accurately reflect health status for athletes, elderly, or certain ethnic groups.

Q3: What health risks are associated with being underweight?
A: Being underweight can lead to nutritional deficiencies, decreased immune function, fertility issues, osteoporosis, and increased surgical risk.

Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, BMI calculations for children and teens use age and sex-specific percentiles rather than the adult categories.

Q5: When should I consult a healthcare professional?
A: If your BMI indicates underweight or if you have concerns about your weight, consult with a healthcare provider for proper assessment and guidance.