1. What is Body Mass Index (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 widely used as a screening tool to identify potential weight problems.

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 provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is an important screening tool for identifying weight categories that may lead to health problems. It helps in assessing risk factors for various diseases including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

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: BMI < 18.5, Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9, Overweight: BMI 25-29.9, Obese: BMI ≥ 30.

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

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: What if I know my weight in pounds and height in inches?
A: You can convert pounds to kg (divide by 2.205) and inches to meters (multiply by 0.0254) before using this calculator.

Q5: Why is BMI used by the NIH and other health organizations?
A: BMI is used because it's a simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive method to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.