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. A BMI of 18.5-24.9 is considered healthy for most adults.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 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 a screening tool that may indicate whether a person is underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese. However, it doesn't directly measure body fat and isn't diagnostic of the body fatness or health of an individual.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height in centimeters, divide by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults, 18.5-24.9 is considered healthy. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and those with muscular builds, and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to gain or lose weight.

Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI calculations because their body composition varies as they grow.

Q5: What are alternatives to BMI?
A: Waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat percentage measurements may provide additional information.