1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass per unit of height squared, providing a standardized measure of body composition.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a quick screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It helps identify potential weight problems in adults.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obesity (≥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: Should BMI be used alone for diagnosis?
A: No, BMI should be used as a screening tool along with other assessments like waist circumference.

Q4: Can BMI be used for children?
A: Children's BMI is interpreted differently using age- and sex-specific percentiles.

Q5: What are limitations of BMI?
A: Doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, or account for fat distribution.