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 (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: The calculator automatically converts height from centimeters to meters before performing the calculation.

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 centimeters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For accurate results, measure weight in light 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 not accurately reflect body fat in athletes (high muscle mass), elderly (loss of muscle mass), or certain ethnic groups.

Q3: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific percentile charts rather than adult BMI categories.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, though individual health risks vary.

Q5: Does BMI measure body fat?
A: BMI is a surrogate measure of body fat but doesn't directly measure it. Other methods like skinfold measurements may be more accurate.