1. What is BMI?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass per unit of height squared to estimate body fatness.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range for adult females?
A: For adult females, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal weight.

Q2: Does BMI differ for males and females?
A: While the calculation is the same, healthy ranges may vary slightly due to differences in body composition.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI 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 build as muscle weighs more than fat.

Q5: Should BMI be used alone to assess health?
A: No, BMI should be used as a screening tool along with other assessments like waist circumference and body fat percentage.