1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen 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
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: BMI correlates fairly well with body fat for most people, though it doesn't directly measure body fat.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. It helps healthcare professionals assess whether patients are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

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).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).

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

Q3: What about children's BMI?
A: Children's BMI is age and sex-specific and is interpreted using growth charts.

Q4: Are there better measures than BMI?
A: Waist circumference and other measurements may provide additional information about health risks.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, BMI should be considered along with other assessments like diet, physical activity, and family history.