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. BMI screens 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 (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

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 a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people. It is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but it is not diagnostic of the body fatness or health of an individual.

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). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

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 different for women and men?
A: The calculation is the same, but the interpretation may differ slightly as women typically have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial/sex differences.

Q4: Is BMI accurate for athletes?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes with high muscle mass and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI for women?
A: Generally 18.5-24.9, but optimal range may vary based on individual factors like age and ethnicity.