1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) 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 the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the 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, though it should be interpreted with caution as it doesn't directly measure body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How accurate is BMI?
A: BMI is a useful screening tool but doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution. Athletes may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q3: Should BMI be interpreted differently for older adults?
A: Some research suggests slightly higher BMI ranges may be healthier for older adults, but standard categories are typically used.

Q4: What about BMI percentiles for adults?
A: While percentiles are commonly used for children, adult BMI is typically interpreted using fixed cut points rather than percentiles.

Q5: Are there better alternatives to BMI?
A: Waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, or body fat percentage measurements may provide additional information about health risks.