1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. BMI is an inexpensive and easy screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters

For adults 20 years and older: BMI is interpreted using standard weight status categories that are the same for all ages and for both men and women.

For children and teens: BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. Percentiles are used to interpret BMI for children and teens.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a useful measure of overweight and obesity. It is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but it is not a diagnostic tool.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For adults, the calculator will show the BMI category. For children and teens, consult a BMI-for-age growth chart.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How is BMI different for children?
A: For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is compared to growth charts to determine a percentile ranking.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older people with lost muscle mass.

Q4: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (high muscle mass), pregnant women, and the elderly (muscle loss).

Q5: What should I do if my BMI is high?
A: Consult a healthcare provider who can perform further assessments and provide guidance on healthy weight management.