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 is a simple and widely used screening tool to identify weight categories that may lead to health problems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula for kilograms and centimeters:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height_{cm} \) — Height in centimeters (cm)

Explanation: The formula converts height from centimeters to meters squared by multiplying by 10000 (since 1 m² = 10000 cm²).

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a quick assessment of weight status and helps identify potential health risks associated with being underweight, overweight, or obese. It is used by healthcare professionals worldwide as a screening tool.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. Ensure both values are positive numbers for accurate calculation.

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, elderly, or those with high muscle mass as it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat.

Q3: Why use kilograms and centimeters?
A: This formula is optimized for metric measurements commonly used in medical settings worldwide.

Q4: Can BMI be used for children?
A: No, BMI calculations for children use different percentile charts that account for age and gender.

Q5: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or racial and sex differences.