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. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: BMI correlates fairly well with body fat in most people. For those with BMI over 30, weight loss is typically recommended to reduce health risks.

3. Importance of BMI for Weight Loss

Details: For obese individuals (BMI ≥30), weight loss can significantly reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure weight in the morning after using the bathroom and before eating. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What BMI is considered obese?
A: BMI ≥30 is classified as obese, with Class I (30-34.9), Class II (35-39.9), and Class III (≥40).

Q2: How much weight loss is recommended for obese individuals?
A: Even modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can produce health benefits like improved blood pressure and cholesterol.

Q3: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q4: What's a healthy rate of weight loss?
A: 0.5-1 kg per week is generally recommended for sustainable weight loss.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure for weight loss?
A: No, waist circumference and other health markers should also be considered for a complete assessment.