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 adjust for differences in height among individuals.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's 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, height in meters, and age in years. For children under 20, BMI percentiles should be used instead of standard categories.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI different for children?
A: Yes, children's BMI is age and sex-specific and interpreted using percentiles rather than fixed categories.

Q3: What are BMI's limitations?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and may misclassify muscular individuals as overweight or fail to detect excess fat in some individuals.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 6-12 months is sufficient unless actively trying to change weight.

Q5: Should athletes use BMI?
A: Athletes with high muscle mass may have high BMI without excess fat. Additional measures like body fat percentage may be more appropriate.