1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight to assess body fatness. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

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 divides weight by the square of height to account for the fact that weight increases with the square of height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening tool for weight categories that may indicate health problems. It helps identify potential weight problems in adults, though it doesn't directly measure body fat.

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 are the standard BMI categories?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obesity (≥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: Periodic checks (every 6-12 months) can help track changes, but more frequent measurements aren't typically needed.

Q4: Can children use this calculator?
A: Children need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than adult categories.

Q5: What if I know my height in feet/inches and weight in pounds?
A: Convert to metric first: 1 kg = 2.2 lbs, 1 m = 3.28 ft (or 1 inch = 0.0254 m).