1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. BMI is an inexpensive and easy screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.

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 American Heart Association classifies BMI for adults as:

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

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a useful measure of overweight and obesity. It is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but is not diagnostic of body fatness or health.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in feet/inches or weight in pounds, convert to metric units first (1 kg = 2.2 lbs, 1 m = 3.28 ft).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and others with muscular builds and underestimate body fat in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q2: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or racial/sex differences.

Q3: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific percentiles rather than the adult BMI categories.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, though optimal range may vary by individual.

Q5: What should I do if my BMI is high?
A: Consult with a healthcare provider who can perform additional assessments and provide personalized advice.