1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's a quick tool to assess whether someone 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 provide a standardized measure of body weight relative to height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown that BMI correlates with direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure weight without heavy clothing and height without shoes. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

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 accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy.

Q4: Should BMI be used alone to assess health?
A: No, it should be used along with other assessments like waist circumference and body composition.

Q5: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks (every 6-12 months) can help track changes, but frequent measurements aren't necessary unless making significant lifestyle changes.