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 provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness.

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 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 is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. It helps assess health risks associated with underweight, overweight, and obesity.

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 (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy and indicates a normal weight.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes with high muscle mass, pregnant women, children, and the elderly as it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat.

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 BMI be used for children?
A: BMI calculations for children use percentiles rather than fixed categories and should be interpreted differently than adult BMI.

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