1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight to assess body fatness. It's commonly used to categorize weight status and identify potential health risks associated with different weight ranges.

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: The formula divides weight by the square of height to provide a standardized measure of body mass relative to height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a quick screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It helps identify potential weight-related health risks, though it doesn't directly measure body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For most accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the standard BMI categories?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular individuals and underestimate it in older people with less muscle mass.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks (every few months) are sufficient for most adults unless undergoing significant weight changes.

Q4: Can children use this calculator?
A: Children need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than adult categories.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, but optimal range may vary by individual factors.