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

Explanation: The formula divides weight by the square of height to account for the fact that weight increases with the square of height in most individuals.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening method for weight category - underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. It helps identify potential weight problems in adults.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For pounds and inches, first convert to metric units (1 kg = 2.2 lbs, 1 m = 39.37 inches).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults, 18.5-24.9 is considered healthy. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.

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: Why use BMI if it has limitations?
A: Despite limitations, BMI is useful for population-level assessment and as a screening tool for potential weight problems.

Q4: Should women use different BMI ranges than men?
A: No, the same BMI categories apply to both adult men and women. However, women naturally have higher body fat percentages than men at the same BMI.

Q5: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking BMI once or twice a year is sufficient unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.