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 is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

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)

Interpretation for adults:

• Below 18.5 — Underweight
• 18.5-24.9 — Normal weight
• 25.0-29.9 — Overweight
• 30.0 and above — Obese

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, height in meters. For most accurate results, measure weight without heavy clothing and height without shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (who may have high muscle mass), pregnant women, or the elderly who may have lost muscle mass.

Q2: Does age affect BMI interpretation?
A: While BMI categories are the same for all adults, older adults may have slightly higher optimal BMI ranges compared to younger adults.

Q3: What's a healthy BMI for men?
A: For most adult men, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy, though individual factors like muscle mass should be considered.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most people, checking every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to gain or lose weight.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, BMI should be considered alongside other measurements like waist circumference, body composition, and overall health indicators.