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:

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

Explanation: The calculation divides your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. This provides a number that helps categorize your weight status.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but it doesn't diagnose body fatness or health.

4. Using the Calculator

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

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), and Obese (≥30).

Q2: Does BMI apply to everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and others with muscular builds and underestimate body fat in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: How does age affect BMI?
A: BMI interpretation may vary by age - children and teens need age- and sex-specific percentiles rather than the adult categories.

Q4: How does gender affect BMI?
A: Women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI. The categories are the same for adult men and women.

Q5: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't measure body fat directly and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or racial and sex differences.