1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²).

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 formula calculates body mass per unit of height squared to estimate body fat and categorize weight status.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure that helps identify potential weight problems in adults. While not a direct measure of body fat, it correlates with more direct measures of body fat and is a quick screening tool.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (may overestimate body fat) or elderly (may underestimate body fat).

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks (every 6-12 months) are sufficient unless you're actively working on weight changes.

Q4: Can BMI be used for children?
A: Children's BMI is calculated differently using percentiles adjusted for age and sex.

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