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 account for the fact that weight increases with the square of height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obese. For females, BMI can be particularly important in assessing health risks associated with weight.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight in light clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range for females?
A: For adult females, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. However, BMI ranges may vary slightly by age and ethnicity.

Q2: Does BMI differ for women and men?
A: The BMI calculation is the same, but women typically 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 muscular individuals may have a high BMI without excess fat. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.

Q4: Is BMI accurate during pregnancy?
A: No, BMI should not be calculated during pregnancy as weight gain is expected and necessary.

Q5: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking BMI every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.