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 category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. It strongly correlates with body fat in most populations.

4. Using the Calculator

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

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: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and may misclassify muscular individuals as overweight or fail to detect excess fat in older people with muscle loss.

Q3: Is BMI different for men and women?
A: The calculation is the same, but women typically have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks (every 6-12 months) can help track changes, but more frequent measurements aren't typically needed.

Q5: Should athletes use BMI?
A: Athletes with high muscle mass may want additional assessments like body fat percentage as BMI may overestimate their body fat.