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 provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

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 weight by the square of height to account for the relationship between weight and height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI helps identify potential weight problems in adults. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown BMI correlates with direct measures of body fat.

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

Q2: Is BMI different for women and men?
A: The calculation is the same, but interpretation may vary slightly due to natural differences in body composition.

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 body types?
A: BMI may be less accurate for muscular individuals, pregnant women, and the elderly who may have lost muscle mass.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, BMI should be considered along with other measurements like waist circumference and overall health assessment.