1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) 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. It 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: BMI compares your weight to your height to estimate body fat. Higher BMI values indicate higher body fatness.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's a simple, inexpensive method of screening for weight categories - underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert from cm by dividing by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

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), Obesity (≥30).

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: Why use metric units?
A: The standard BMI formula uses kg and m. For imperial units (pounds and inches), the formula is different: BMI = (weight(lbs) × 703) / (height(in)^2).

Q4: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. However, optimal BMI may vary by age, sex, and ethnicity.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No. BMI is a screening tool but doesn't measure body fat directly. Waist circumference and other factors should also be considered.