1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

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

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening tool for weight category—underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For most accurate results, measure weight in the morning before eating and after using the bathroom. Measure height without shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI different for women and men?
A: The BMI calculation is the same for both sexes, but the interpretation may differ slightly as women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial/ethnic differences. Athletes may have high BMI due to muscle rather than fat.

Q4: Is BMI accurate for pregnant women?
A: No, BMI should not be calculated during pregnancy as it doesn't account for the weight of the growing baby.

Q5: What is a healthy BMI range for women?
A: For most adult women, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy, though individual factors should be considered.