1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness.

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 by the square of their height to categorize their weight status.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown it correlates with direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For pounds and inches, convert first (1 kg = 2.2 lbs, 1 m = 39.37 inches).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes/muscular individuals and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For weight tracking, monthly measurements are sufficient as daily fluctuations are normal.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI target?
A: Generally 18.5-24.9, but consult your doctor for personalized advice.

Q5: Can children use this calculator?
A: Children need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than adult categories.