1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) 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 quick screening tool for underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula divides a person's weight by the square of their height to produce a value that correlates with body fatness.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is important because it helps identify potential weight problems in adults. Being underweight (BMI < 18.5) may indicate malnutrition, eating disorders, or other health problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). The calculator will determine if you're underweight based on your BMI.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What BMI is considered underweight?
A: A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight for adults.

Q2: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: Yes, BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and can misclassify muscular individuals as overweight or athletes as obese.

Q3: Is BMI different for children?
A: Yes, children's BMI is interpreted differently using age- and sex-specific percentiles rather than fixed thresholds.

Q4: What are health risks of being underweight?
A: Underweight individuals may face osteoporosis, decreased immune function, fertility issues, and other health complications.

Q5: Should I see a doctor if my BMI shows underweight?
A: Yes, consult a healthcare professional if your BMI indicates underweight to determine if there's an underlying cause.