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 of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight, and obesity in adults.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height_{m} \) — 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 provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients. It is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. Ensure both values are positive numbers. The calculator will provide your BMI and corresponding weight category.

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: For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy.

Q4: Can BMI be used for children?
A: BMI calculations for children and teens are interpreted differently, taking age and sex into account through percentile rankings.

Q5: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial and sex differences.