1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their 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: The formula calculates body mass per unit of height squared, providing a standardized measure of body composition.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure that helps identify potential weight problems in adults. It's a screening tool (though not diagnostic) for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in centimeters, divide by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

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 different for males and females?
A: The same BMI ranges apply to both adult males and females, though body composition differs between genders.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so muscular individuals may be classified as overweight. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.

Q4: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with unusual body proportions.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, though optimal range may vary by ethnicity and other factors.