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. BMI 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 (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening method for weight category—underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. It can help identify potential weight problems in adults.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. Age and gender are optional but can provide more context for interpretation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the standard BMI categories?
A: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Does BMI apply to everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and those with muscular builds, and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: How does age affect BMI interpretation?
A: For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and referred to as BMI-for-age. For adults, the same categories apply to all ages.

Q4: Are there better measures than BMI?
A: Other measures like waist circumference, skinfold thickness, and DEXA scans may provide more accurate assessments of body fat.

Q5: Should athletes worry about high BMI?
A: Athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI without excess body fat. Additional assessments may be needed.