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 (kg/m²).

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: The formula calculates body mass per unit of surface area, providing a standardized measure for comparing individuals of different sizes.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure that helps identify potential weight problems in adults. While not a direct measure of body fat, it correlates well with more direct measures of 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), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI different for men and women?
A: The same BMI values apply to both men and women, 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 have high BMI without excess fat.

Q4: Is BMI accurate for athletes?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes with high muscle mass and underestimate it in older adults with muscle loss.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, BMI should be considered alongside other measures like waist circumference and body composition.