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 index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity.

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: BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: 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. It is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

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 without shoes and in light clothing.

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 be accurate for athletes (muscle weighs more than fat), pregnant women, children, and the elderly.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking BMI every 6-12 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q4: Can BMI be used for children?
A: BMI for children is interpreted differently using age and sex-specific percentile charts, not the adult categories.

Q5: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, doesn't account for body composition, and may not reflect fat distribution.