1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure that uses your height and weight to determine if your weight is healthy. It's widely used as a screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: 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.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is important because it helps identify weight categories that may lead to health problems. However, it's not a diagnostic tool and doesn't directly measure body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories?
A: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 6-12 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than the adult categories.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI for older adults?
A: Some research suggests BMI of 25-27 may be healthier for older adults than the standard "normal" range.