1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a value derived from the mass and height of a person. It provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The BMI calculation divides an adult's weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive surrogate measure of body fat that correlates with direct measures of body fat. It's 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. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.

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: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks (every 6-12 months) can help track changes, but more frequent measurements aren't typically necessary.

Q4: Does BMI differ for women?
A: The same BMI categories apply to both adult men and women. However, women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, BMI should be considered along with other measurements like waist circumference, diet, physical activity, and family history.