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

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 method 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, height in meters. For pounds and inches, convert first (1 kg = 2.2 lbs, 1 m = 39.37 inches). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults, 18.5 to 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 lost muscle mass.

Q3: Is BMI different for women and men?
A: The same BMI ranges apply to both genders, but women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q4: How does age affect BMI?
A: For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific. For adults, the same ranges apply regardless of age.

Q5: What are alternatives to BMI?
A: Waist circumference, skinfold thickness measurements, and more advanced methods like DEXA scans can provide additional information.