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 a simple and widely used 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 reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI calculation helps in assessing whether an individual has a healthy body weight for their height. It's used by healthcare professionals to identify potential weight-related health risks.

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 (<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 (high muscle mass), elderly (loss of muscle mass), pregnant women, and children.

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

Q5: What are the health risks associated with high BMI?
A: High BMI increases risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and other health conditions.