1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²).

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 calculates body mass per unit of surface area, providing a standardized measure for comparing weights across different heights.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure that helps identify potential weight problems in adults. It is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accuracy, measure weight in minimal clothing and height without shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: Can BMI be used for children?
A: BMI for children uses percentiles rather than fixed numbers and must account for age and sex.

Q4: What are limitations of BMI?
A: Doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, doesn't account for fat distribution, and may not be accurate for certain ethnic groups.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, it should be used alongside other measures like waist circumference, diet, and physical activity.