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 screens 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 (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a useful screening tool to identify possible weight problems for adults. However, it is not a diagnostic tool. BMI is 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 are the standard BMI categories?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obesity (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and those with muscular build, and underestimate body fat in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: Can BMI be used for children?
A: BMI for children and teens is interpreted differently, using age- and sex-specific percentiles rather than the adult categories.

Q4: What are limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and doesn't account for factors like muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of healthy weight?
A: No, other factors like waist circumference, diet, physical activity, and family history should also be considered.