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 screening tool to identify weight categories that may lead to health 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: 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 health screening tool that helps identify potential weight-related health risks. It is used by healthcare professionals to assess whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. Ensure accurate measurements for reliable results. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories?
A: Underweight (BMI < 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 (high muscle mass), elderly (muscle loss), or certain ethnic groups.

Q3: Can children use this calculator?
A: This calculator is designed for adults. Children and teens require age and sex-specific BMI percentiles.

Q4: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, and doesn't account for fat distribution or bone density.

Q5: Should I rely solely on BMI for health assessment?
A: No, BMI should be used as a screening tool alongside other measurements like waist circumference, body composition analysis, and overall health assessment.