1. What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters.

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 widely used as a screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown that BMI correlates with direct measures of body fat.

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 BMI categories?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obesity (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (may overestimate body fat), elderly (may underestimate body fat), and people with muscular builds.

Q3: Can BMI be used for children?
A: BMI for children is interpreted differently using age and sex-specific percentile charts, not the adult categories.

Q4: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass, doesn't account for fat distribution, and may not be accurate for certain ethnic groups.

Q5: How often should BMI be calculated?
A: For general monitoring, calculating BMI every 3-6 months is sufficient unless there are specific health concerns or weight management goals.