1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity in adults. It applies to both adult men and women.

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 calculates body mass per unit of height squared, providing a standardized measure for comparing individuals of different heights.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a quick screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown it correlates with more direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For pounds and inches, convert to metric units first.

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 formula applies to both genders, but body composition differences mean the same BMI may represent different body fat percentages.

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

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: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, but individual factors should be considered.