1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]². While BMI doesn't measure body fat directly, it correlates with more direct measures of body fat.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but it is not diagnostic of body fatness or health of an individual. It's a quick screening tool 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). Note that eating before measurement has minimal effect on BMI calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does eating before measurement affect BMI?
A: While eating may temporarily increase weight, the effect on BMI is minimal unless measured immediately after a very large meal.

Q2: What are normal BMI values?
A: For adults: Underweight (<18.5), Normal (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).

Q3: When is the best time to measure for BMI?
A: For consistency, measure at the same time of day (preferably morning), in similar clothing, and after using the bathroom.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or racial and sex differences.

Q5: Should athletes use BMI?
A: Athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI that doesn't reflect their actual body fat percentage.