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. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

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 compares your weight to your height to estimate whether you're underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It helps identify potential weight problems in adults.

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 is the same as for men, though body fat percentage may differ.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI for women?
A: For adults 20+, a healthy BMI is 18.5-24.9. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.

Q2: Is BMI different for women than men?
A: The calculation is the same, but women typically have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q3: What are BMI limitations?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and may misclassify muscular individuals as overweight or fail to detect excess fat in older people.

Q4: Should pregnant women use BMI?
A: BMI calculations during pregnancy aren't meaningful. Use pre-pregnancy weight for reference.

Q5: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.