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 index that provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

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 is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. It helps healthcare professionals assess health risks associated with being underweight, overweight, or obese.

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), Obese (≥30).

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

Q3: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is generally considered healthy for most adults.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For general monitoring, checking every 3-6 months is sufficient unless recommended otherwise by a healthcare provider.

Q5: Can BMI be used for children?
A: BMI calculations for children and teens are interpreted differently using age and sex-specific percentile charts, not the adult categories.