1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a value derived from the mass and height of a person. It provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

For weight loss estimation, the calculator uses your current weight, target weight, and weekly weight loss goal to estimate the time required.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For weight loss estimation, provide your target weight and realistic weekly weight loss goal (typically 0.5-1 kg per week).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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 realistic weight loss goal?
A: Most experts recommend 0.5-1 kg per week for sustainable weight loss without excessive muscle loss.

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

Q5: What's better than BMI?
A: Waist circumference and body fat percentage measurements provide more precise information about health risks.