1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) 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 weight in kilograms by height in meters squared.

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: The formula provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems objectively with their patients.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a useful population-level 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 accurate results, measure weight without heavy clothing and height without shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range for women?
A: For adult women, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.

Q2: Are BMI calculations different for women and men?
A: The same BMI formula applies to both genders, but women typically have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or racial and sex differences. Athletes may have high BMI due to muscle rather than fat.

Q4: Is BMI accurate for pregnant women?
A: No, BMI should not be calculated during pregnancy as weight gain is expected and necessary for healthy fetal development.

Q5: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking BMI once or twice a year is sufficient unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.