1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It's a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity.

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 a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

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 are the BMI categories?
A: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Does BMI account for muscle mass?
A: No, BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI without excess fat.

Q3: Is BMI different for men and women?
A: The same BMI formula applies to both, but body composition differs between genders.

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

Q5: Should athletes use BMI?
A: Athletes with high muscle mass may need additional measures like body fat percentage for accurate assessment.