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. BMI screens for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

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)

Note: For children and teens (ages 2-19), BMI interpretation uses age- and sex-specific percentiles rather than the standard categories.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and age in years. For adults, the calculator provides standard BMI categories. For children under 20, consult pediatric growth charts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI interpreted differently for children?
A: Yes, for children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is referred to as BMI-for-age.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or overall body composition.

Q4: How often should BMI be calculated?
A: For adults, annual calculation is typically sufficient unless significant weight changes occur. For children, regular monitoring is recommended.

Q5: Is BMI accurate for athletes?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes with high muscle mass and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.