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 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
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The equation divides your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared to give your BMI score.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a screening tool that may indicate whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. However, it doesn't directly measure body fat and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or overall body composition.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accuracy, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and those with muscular builds, and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 6-12 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q4: Does BMI apply to children?
A: Children's BMI is calculated the same way but interpreted differently using age- and sex-specific percentiles.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, but individual circumstances may vary.