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 (kg/m²).

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)

Interpretation: The result is compared against standard BMI categories:

• Underweight: BMI < 18.5 kg/m²
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²
• Overweight: BMI 25-29.9 kg/m²
• Obese: BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure that helps identify potential weight problems in adults. While not a direct measure of body fat, it correlates well with more direct measures of body fat and is a quick screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not accurately reflect body fat percentage in athletes (who may have high muscle mass), the elderly (who may have lost muscle mass), or certain ethnic groups.

Q2: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, doesn't account for fat distribution, and may not be appropriate for children, pregnant women, or certain ethnic groups.

Q3: Should BMI be used alone to assess health?
A: No, BMI should be used alongside other measurements like waist circumference, body composition analysis, and overall health assessment.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.

Q5: Are there different BMI categories for Asians?
A: Some countries use lower BMI thresholds for Asian populations due to higher health risks at lower BMI levels.