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 calculation divides your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. This provides a standardized measure of body weight relative to height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but it is not diagnostic of body fatness or health. Healthcare professionals use BMI as one tool to help determine whether a patient is at a healthy weight.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For most accurate results, measure weight in the morning after using the bathroom and before eating.

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 every 6-12 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than the adult categories.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI for older adults?
A: Some research suggests BMI of 25-27 may be optimal for older adults rather than the standard 18.5-24.9 range.