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 provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

It also calculates:

• BMR - Basal Metabolic Rate (calories burned at rest) using Mifflin-St Jeor Equation
• Maintenance Calories - Daily calories needed to maintain current weight
• Weight Loss Calories - Recommended calorie intake for weight loss (500 calorie deficit)

3. Understanding Your Results

BMI Categories:

• Underweight: BMI < 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25-29.9
• Obesity: BMI ≥ 30

Calorie Calculations: The weight loss recommendation creates a 500 calorie daily deficit, which typically results in about 1 pound (0.45 kg) of weight loss per week.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.

Q2: Why use metric units?
A: The BMI formula is designed for metric units. For imperial units, the formula is [weight (lb) / height² (in)] × 703.

Q3: How accurate are the calorie estimates?
A: They're estimates based on averages. Individual calorie needs may vary by ±200 calories.

Q4: Should I eat exactly the weight loss calories?
A: Use it as a starting point. Adjust based on your actual weight changes over 2-3 weeks.

Q5: What if I want to lose weight faster?
A: Consult a doctor before creating a larger calorie deficit. More than 1-2 lbs/week loss may be unhealthy.