1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight to assess body fatness. It provides a reliable indicator of body fat for most people and is used to screen 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 divides weight by the square of height to account for the fact that weight increases with the square of height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is an important screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. It helps healthcare professionals identify individuals who may be at risk for health problems related to being underweight, overweight, or obese.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure weight without heavy clothing and height without shoes.

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), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and those with muscular build, and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking BMI annually is sufficient unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, though this may vary by ethnicity and other factors.

Q5: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles as their body composition varies with age.