1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity in adults. It provides a useful population-level measure of overweight and obesity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the 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 not be accurate for athletes (high muscle mass), pregnant women, or the elderly (muscle loss).

Q3: Why use metric units?
A: The standard BMI formula uses kg and m. For pounds/inches: BMI = (weight in lbs × 703) / (height in inches)².

Q4: What's a healthy BMI for women?
A: Generally 18.5-24.9, though individual factors like muscle mass and body composition should be considered.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and other measures provide additional important information.