1. What is 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 (kg/m²).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( Height \) — 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 useful screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults. However, it should be used as a starting point for further assessment rather than as a diagnostic tool for body fatness or 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 weight and height precisely.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the 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 percentage in athletes, elderly, or those with unusual body compositions as it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat.

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 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 alongside other measurements like waist circumference, diet, physical activity, and family history for a complete health assessment.