1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) 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 method 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 centimeters (cm)

Explanation: The formula converts height from centimeters to meters by dividing by 100, then calculates the square of height in meters, and finally divides weight by this squared value to get BMI in kg/m².

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is an important screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults. It helps healthcare professionals assess health risks associated with underweight, overweight, and obesity, and can indicate the need for further assessment and lifestyle changes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. Both values must be positive numbers. For accurate results, measure weight in the morning after using the bathroom and before eating, and measure height without shoes.

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 in athletes (muscle weighs more than fat), elderly (muscle loss), and certain ethnic groups.

Q3: Can children use this calculator?
A: This calculator is for adults (20+ years). Children and teens need age and sex-specific BMI percentiles.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 3-6 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy and associated with the lowest health risks.