1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight to assess body fatness. It's a screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults.

2. How to Calculate BMI

The BMI formula is:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( Height \) — Height in meters (m)

Example: For a person weighing 70 kg and 1.75 m tall:
BMI = 70 / (1.75 × 1.75) = 22.9 kg/m²

3. BMI Categories

Standard BMI Categories:

• Underweight: BMI < 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25-29.9
• Obese: BMI ≥ 30

Note: BMI is a screening tool but doesn't directly measure body fat. Athletes may have high BMI due to muscle mass.

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert from cm to m by dividing by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older people with lost muscle mass.

Q2: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. However, optimal range may vary by ethnicity.

Q3: Can children use this calculator?
A: No, children need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than adult categories.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks (every 6-12 months) can help track changes, but focus more on overall health.

Q5: What if my BMI is high?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for personalized assessment and advice.