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
• \( height \) — Height in meters

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 tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but it is not diagnostic of body fatness or health.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. 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: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or racial and sex differences.

Q3: Is BMI accurate for athletes?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and others with muscular builds since muscle weighs more than fat.

Q4: Is BMI different for children?
A: Yes, BMI for children and teens is age- and sex-specific and is referred to as BMI-for-age.

Q5: What are the health risks associated with high BMI?
A: Higher BMI is associated with increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers.