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's a screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

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 provide a standardized measure of body weight relative to height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's used in Care Health Plan assessments to evaluate potential health risks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert from cm to m by dividing by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

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), and Obese (≥30).

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

Q3: Why use metric units?
A: The standard BMI formula uses kg and m. For imperial units, the formula is [weight (lb) / height (in)²] × 703.

Q4: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. However, optimal BMI may vary by age and ethnicity.

Q5: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 6-12 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.