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 weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.

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 provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is an important screening tool that can indicate whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. According to the Philippines Ministry of Health, these classifications help identify potential weight-related health problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert from centimeters by dividing by 100 (e.g., 170 cm = 1.7 m). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories in the Philippines?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5-22.9), Overweight (23-27.4), Obese (≥27.5).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not accurately reflect body fat in athletes (muscle weighs more than fat) or elderly (who may have lost muscle mass).

Q3: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 22.9 is considered healthy in the Philippines.

Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles.

Q5: What's next after calculating BMI?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment, especially if your BMI falls outside the normal range.