1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It's a simple screening tool to identify possible weight problems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI equation:

Where:

• \( weight\ (kg) \) — Weight in kilograms
• \( oz \) — Additional weight in ounces
• \( height\ (m) \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The equation first converts ounces to kilograms (1 oz = 0.0283495 kg) and adds it to the kilogram weight, then divides by height squared.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems objectively with their patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and ounces (if applicable), and height in meters. 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: Why include ounces in the calculation?
A: For precise measurements, especially when dealing with infants or when using scales that measure in both kg and oz.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes may have high BMI without excess fat. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.

Q4: How accurate is this calculator for children?
A: While the calculation is the same, BMI interpretation for children requires age- and sex-specific percentiles.

Q5: Should I use this for medical diagnosis?
A: BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. Consult a healthcare provider for comprehensive evaluation.