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 provides a useful population-level measure of overweight and obesity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.

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 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: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not accurately reflect body fat in athletes (high muscle mass), elderly (loss of muscle mass), or certain ethnic groups.

Q3: How often should BMI be measured?
A: For adults, annual measurement is typically sufficient unless significant weight changes occur.

Q4: Can BMI be used for children?
A: Children's BMI is calculated the same way but interpreted differently using age- and sex-specific percentiles.

Q5: What are alternatives to BMI?
A: Waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, or body fat percentage measurements may provide additional information.