1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

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 divides a person's weight by the square of their height to calculate their body mass index.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI helps identify potential weight problems in adults. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown it correlates with direct measures of body fat.

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

Q2: Does BMI differ for men and women?
A: The calculation is the same, but interpretation may vary slightly as women typically have higher body fat percentages at the same BMI.

Q3: What are BMI limitations?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular individuals and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q4: Should athletes use BMI?
A: Athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI despite low body fat. Additional measurements may be needed.

Q5: Is BMI accurate for all ethnic groups?
A: Some ethnic groups may have different health risks at the same BMI, so healthcare providers may adjust interpretations accordingly.