1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Interpretation:

• Below 18.5 — Underweight
• 18.5-24.9 — Normal weight
• 25.0-29.9 — Overweight
• 30.0 and above — Obese

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. It correlates with direct measures of body fat and is used to screen for health risks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in centimeters, divide by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Limitations and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or racial/sex differences.

Q2: Why might BMI be inaccurate for athletes?
A: Athletes may have a high BMI due to increased muscle mass rather than increased body fat.

Q3: Is BMI different for children?
A: Yes, BMI for children is age and sex-specific and is referred to as BMI-for-age.

Q4: Are there better alternatives to BMI?
A: Other measures like waist circumference, skinfold thickness, and DEXA scans may provide more accurate assessments in some cases.

Q5: Should BMI be used alone for health assessment?
A: No, BMI should be used as a screening tool along with other assessments like diet, physical activity, family history, and other health screenings.