1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

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: The formula divides your weight by the square of your height to determine your body mass index.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but it is not diagnostic of body fatness or health. It's a quick screening tool for weight categories.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure your height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the standard BMI categories?
A: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), and Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI different for women and men?
A: The same BMI ranges apply to both women and men, though women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes may have high BMI without excess fat. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.

Q4: Is BMI accurate for all ethnic groups?
A: Some ethnic groups may have different health risks at the same BMI, particularly Asian populations who may have higher health risks at lower BMIs.

Q5: Should BMI be used alone to assess health?
A: No, BMI should be used as a starting point along with other assessments like waist circumference, diet, and physical activity.