1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a value derived from the mass and height of a person. The BMI is defined as the body mass divided by the square of the body height, and is expressed in units of kg/m².

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass index by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared.

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?
A: For most adults, an ideal BMI is in the 18.5 to 24.9 range.

Q2: Does BMI account for muscle mass?
A: No, BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass. Athletes may have a high BMI due to increased muscle rather than fat.

Q3: Is BMI different for men and women?
A: The calculation is the same, but the interpretation may differ slightly as women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q4: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for fat distribution, muscle mass, bone density, or racial/ethnic differences in body composition.

Q5: Should athletes use BMI?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes with significant muscle mass. Additional measurements like body fat percentage may be more appropriate.