1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. It's a simple 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 provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems objectively.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but it's not diagnostic of body fatness or health. It's a quick and inexpensive method to identify possible weight problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For most accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the CDC BMI categories for adults?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI different for men and women?
A: The calculation is the same, but interpretation may differ slightly as women typically have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q3: What are limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes may have high BMI without excess fat. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 6-12 months is sufficient unless actively trying to change weight.

Q5: Should athletes use BMI?
A: Athletes with high muscle mass may want additional assessments like body fat percentage as BMI may overestimate their body fat.