1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's a widely used tool to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity in adults.

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 by the square of their height to produce a single number that falls into specific categories.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure that helps healthcare professionals identify potential weight problems in adults. While not a direct measure of body fat, it correlates with more direct measures of body fat and offers a quick screening tool.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in feet and inches, first convert to meters (1 foot = 0.3048 meters, 1 inch = 0.0254 meters).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the standard 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 underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking BMI annually is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q4: Can children use this calculator?
A: Children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI calculations as their body composition changes with growth.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, but individual factors like muscle mass and frame size should be considered.