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 and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

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: BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. The result is then compared against standard categories.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. While BMI doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown that BMI correlates to more direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For most accurate results, measure weight in the morning before eating and after using the bathroom. Measure height without shoes.

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 others with muscular builds, and underestimate body fat in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, an ideal BMI is in the 18.5 to 24.9 range. However, optimal BMI may vary by age, gender, and ethnicity.

Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI calculations due to changing body composition as they grow.

Q5: What are alternatives to BMI?
A: Waist circumference, skinfold thickness measurements, and more advanced techniques like DEXA scans can provide additional information.