1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m²).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Interpretation: The result is compared against standard BMI categories:

• Underweight: BMI < 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25-29.9
• Obese: BMI ≥ 30

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. For height, you can convert from cm to m by dividing by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (muscle weighs more than fat), pregnant women, children, or the elderly.

Q2: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. However, optimal BMI may vary by age and ethnicity.

Q3: Should I use BMI alone to assess my weight?
A: No. Waist circumference and other measurements should also be considered, as BMI doesn't account for fat distribution.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks (every few months) can help track changes, but daily fluctuations are normal.

Q5: Does BMI differ between men and women?
A: The same BMI values apply to both, but women typically have more body fat than men at the same BMI.