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 equation:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters
• Age — Used for context and interpretation (optional)

Explanation: BMI correlates with body fat, though it doesn't directly measure body fat. It's a simple screening tool for weight categories.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's a quick and inexpensive method that correlates with more direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and optionally age. For pounds and inches, convert first (1 kg = 2.2 lbs, 1 m = 39.37 inches).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults, 18.5-24.9 is considered healthy. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.

Q2: Does BMI work for athletes?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes with high muscle mass and underestimate it in older people with less muscle mass.

Q3: How does age affect BMI interpretation?
A: For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific (BMI percentile). For adults, the same ranges apply to all ages.

Q4: What are BMI limitations?
A: Doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, doesn't account for fat distribution, and may not be accurate for certain ethnic groups.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, it should be used with other assessments like waist circumference, diet, physical activity, and family history.