1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. It's a screening tool that may indicate whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

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 formula divides weight by the square of height to estimate body fatness.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a quick screening method for weight categories that may lead to health problems. However, it doesn't directly measure body fat and has limitations for certain populations.

4. Using the Calculator

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

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), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI different for women?
A: The same BMI categories apply to both men and women, though women naturally have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes may have high BMI without excess fat. It also may not be accurate for pregnant women, the elderly, or certain ethnic groups.

Q4: 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.

Q5: Is BMI calculation different for children?
A: Yes, children's BMI is age- and sex-specific and is interpreted using percentile charts rather than fixed categories.