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 categorize 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 (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: BMI compares your weight to your height to estimate body fatness and health risks associated with different weight categories.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a quick assessment of weight status which can indicate potential health risks. While not a direct measure of body fat, it correlates well with more direct measures of body fat and health outcomes.

4. Using the Calculator

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

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), 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: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, though this may vary by ethnicity.

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

Q5: What if my BMI is high?
A: Consult a healthcare provider who can assess other factors like waist circumference, diet, and activity level.