1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen 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 (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

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

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. It correlates with direct measures of body fat and is strongly associated with various metabolic and disease outcomes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert centimeters to meters 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 (<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 those with muscular builds, and underestimate body fat in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: Why use metric units?
A: The standard BMI formula uses kg and m. For imperial units (pounds and inches), a conversion factor is needed.

Q4: Is BMI different for women and men?
A: The same BMI values apply to both sexes, though women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q5: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle, doesn't account for fat distribution, and may not be accurate for certain ethnic groups, pregnant women, or the elderly.