1. What is Body Mass Index?

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 method to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity.

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: The formula calculates body mass per square meter of body surface area, providing a standardized measure for comparing individuals of different heights.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is an important screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown that BMI correlates with direct measures of body fat and can be used to assess health risks associated with different weight categories.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure weight without heavy clothing and height without shoes. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

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), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes with high muscle mass, pregnant women, children, and the elderly as it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat.

Q3: 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.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is generally considered healthy for most adults.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, BMI should be used alongside other measurements like waist circumference, body fat percentage, and overall health assessment.