1. What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The formula divides a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. It helps identify potential weight problems in adults.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and may not account for muscle mass, bone density, or overall body composition.

Q3: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI calculations due to changing body composition.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, but individual factors should be considered.