1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a value derived from the mass and height of a person. It provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems objectively with their patients.

2. How Does the BMI Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass divided by the square of body height. Our calculator adjusts interpretation based on age and gender for more accurate categorization.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening method for weight category - underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. It correlates moderately well with direct measures of body fatness.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age in years, and select gender. For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults, 18.5-24.9 is considered healthy. However, optimal BMI varies by age, gender, and ethnicity.

Q2: Does BMI apply to children?
A: BMI for children is interpreted relative to growth charts for their age and sex rather than fixed thresholds.

Q3: What are BMI's limitations?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes may have high BMI without excess fat. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 6-12 months is sufficient unless actively trying to change weight.

Q5: Are there better measures than BMI?
A: Waist circumference and body fat percentage provide additional useful information, but BMI remains the most widely used screening tool.