1. What are BMI and BSA?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. BSA (Body Surface Area) estimates the total surface area of the human body. The Mosteller formula is a simple and accurate method for calculating BSA.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses two equations:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( Height \) — Height in meters (m) for BMI, centimeters (cm) for BSA

Explanation: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of body fatness, while BSA is important for medical dosages and physiological measurements.

3. Importance of BMI and BSA

Details: BMI helps classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity. BSA is used to calculate medical indicators, drug dosages, and for various clinical assessments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal BMI range?
A: For adults: Underweight (<18.5), Normal (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30). Ranges may vary by population.

Q2: Why use Mosteller formula for BSA?
A: It's simple, accurate, and widely used in clinical practice compared to other BSA formulas.

Q3: When is BSA more useful than BMI?
A: BSA is preferred for medication dosing, chemotherapy, and when body composition is important.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, and may not be accurate for athletes, elderly, or certain ethnic groups.

Q5: How accurate is the Mosteller formula?
A: It's accurate for most clinical purposes, though other formulas (DuBois, Haycock) may be used in specific populations.