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 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 measurement for most people over 18 years old. It can indicate whether you're underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, which may have implications for your health.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For women, BMI interpretation should consider factors like pregnancy and body composition differences.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range for women?
A: For adults 20 years and older: Underweight (<18.5), Normal (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Does BMI differ for women and men?
A: The calculation is the same, but women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q3: Are there limitations to BMI for women?
A: Yes. BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so muscular women may have high BMI without excess fat. It also doesn't account for pregnancy or fat distribution.

Q4: Should BMI be interpreted differently during pregnancy?
A: Yes, standard BMI categories don't apply during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider for appropriate weight gain recommendations.

Q5: What additional measurements complement BMI?
A: Waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat percentage provide additional information about health risks.