1. What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

BMI is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( Height \) — 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 provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients. It is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

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. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (who may have high muscle mass), pregnant women, the elderly, or children. Other measures like waist circumference may be needed.

Q2: What are the health risks of high BMI?
A: Higher BMI is associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

Q3: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. However, optimal BMI may vary by ethnicity and other factors.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.

Q5: Can BMI be used for children?
A: BMI-for-age percentiles should be used for children and teens, as their body composition varies by age and sex.