1. What is BMI?

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

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 is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI helps healthcare professionals screen for potential weight problems in adults. While it doesn't directly measure body fat, it correlates with direct measures of body fat and offers a simple, inexpensive method of screening for weight categories.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For best 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 weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obesity (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 6-12 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI calculations due to growth patterns.

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