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. It 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 your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. This gives a standardized measurement that can be compared across different heights.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's a simple, inexpensive method of screening for weight categories - underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For most accurate results, measure your height without shoes and weight in light clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (who have more muscle mass), pregnant women, or the elderly (who may have lost muscle mass).

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most people, checking every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.

Q4: What if I only know my height in feet/inches and weight in pounds?
A: You'll need to convert to metric units first (1 kg = 2.2 lbs, 1 inch = 0.0254 meters).

Q5: Does BMI apply to children?
A: BMI is calculated differently for children and teens, taking into account age and sex-specific percentiles.