1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula divides weight by the square of height to account for the fact that weight increases with the square of height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown BMI correlates with more direct measures of body fat.

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 may cause minimal changes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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

Q3: When should BMI be measured?
A: For consistency, measure at the same time of day, preferably in the morning before eating.

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

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, BMI should be used along with other measurements like waist circumference and body composition analysis.