1. What is 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 the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m²).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive surrogate measure of body fat. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure weight and height without shoes and heavy clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI different for men and women?
A: The same BMI formula applies to both men and women, though body composition differs between sexes.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial/ethnic differences.

Q4: Is BMI accurate for athletes?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and others with muscular builds, as muscle weighs more than fat.

Q5: Should BMI be used alone to assess health?
A: No, BMI should be used as a screening tool along with other assessments like waist circumference, diet, and physical activity.