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 BMI Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass per unit of height squared, providing a standardized measure of body composition.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure that helps assess whether an individual has a healthy body weight for their height. It's widely used as a screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular individuals and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: Can BMI be used for children?
A: Children's BMI is interpreted differently using age- and sex-specific percentiles rather than fixed categories.

Q4: What are limitations of BMI?
A: Doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, doesn't account for fat distribution, and may vary by ethnicity.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, though optimal range may vary by individual factors.