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 provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness.

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: BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. The result indicates whether a person has a healthy body weight.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. Ensure values are accurate for reliable results. For pounds and inches, convert to metric units first.

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 accurately reflect body fat in athletes, elderly, or those with high muscle mass as it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat.

Q3: Can children use this calculator?
A: No, this calculator is for adults only. Children and teens require age and sex-specific BMI percentiles.

Q4: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or racial and sex differences.

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.