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 a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Weight in kilograms
• \( height_{m} \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass index by dividing weight by the square of height, providing a standardized measure of body fatness.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults. It provides a quick assessment of whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. Ensure accurate measurements for reliable results. BMI categories: Underweight (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: 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.

Q2: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial and sex differences.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For general monitoring, checking every 3-6 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q4: Can children use this calculator?
A: No, this calculator is for adults only. Children and teens require age and sex-specific BMI percentiles.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy and associated with the lowest health risks.