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. It 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)

Explanation: BMI compares your weight to your height to estimate whether you're underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's a simple, inexpensive method to assess whether an adult is at a healthy weight.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and those with muscular builds, and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

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

Q4: Can children use this calculator?
A: Children need BMI-for-age percentiles rather than adult categories, as their body composition changes with growth.

Q5: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass, or account for fat distribution which affects health risks.