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. BMI 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 obesity. It correlates with direct measures of body fat and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). The calculator will automatically convert height to meters for the calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and others with muscular builds and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, this is for adults only. Children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI calculations.

Q4: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, doesn't account for fat distribution, and may not be accurate for certain ethnic groups or elderly.

Q5: What should I do if my BMI is high?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive health assessment. They may recommend additional tests and lifestyle changes.