1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. BMI is an inexpensive and easy screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• Weight — in kilograms (kg)
• Height — in meters (m)

Interpretation: For adults 20 years and older, BMI is interpreted using standard weight status categories that are the same for all ages and for both men and women.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a screening tool that may indicate whether a person is underweight or overweight/obese, but it doesn't diagnose body fatness or health. Healthcare providers need to perform further assessments to evaluate health status and risks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in centimeters, divide by 100 to convert to meters (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories for adults?
A: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), and Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and those with muscular builds, and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: Why use metric units?
A: The standard BMI formula uses kg/m². For imperial units (pounds and inches), the formula is: weight (lb) / [height (in)]² × 703.

Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific percentiles because their body composition varies as they grow.

Q5: What are the health risks of high BMI?
A: Higher BMI can indicate high body fatness, which is associated with increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.