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 a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²).

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 provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive surrogate measure of body fat. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat. It is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For most adults, BMI provides a good estimate of weight-related health risks.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the WHO BMI categories?
A: Underweight (<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 others with muscular builds, and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: Should BMI be interpreted the same way for children?
A: No, BMI for children and teens is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age.

Q4: What are the health risks associated with high BMI?
A: Higher BMI is associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

Q5: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial and sex differences.