1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, 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 standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: 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.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's used to identify possible weight problems in adults, though it doesn't diagnose body fatness or health directly.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert from cm to m by dividing by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m).

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: Why is BMI important?
A: Higher BMI increases risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, and certain cancers.

Q3: Does BMI account for muscle vs fat?
A: No, BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes with high muscle mass may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q4: What are limitations of BMI?
A: Doesn't consider muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or racial/sex differences in fat distribution.

Q5: Is BMI different for men and women?
A: The same formula applies, but women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.