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. 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 (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: The formula divides weight by the square of height to provide a standardized measure of body weight relative to height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but it is not diagnostic of body fatness or health.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). The calculator will automatically convert height to meters for the calculation.

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), and Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI different for females?
A: The same BMI categories apply to both adult males and females. However, women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or racial and sex differences.

Q4: Is BMI accurate for athletes?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and others with muscular builds, as muscle weighs more than fat.

Q5: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. However, individual factors should be considered.