1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. It's a simple screening tool that may indicate whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Interpretation: According to CDC guidelines for adults:

• Underweight: BMI < 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25-29.9
• Obese: BMI ≥ 30

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a quick assessment of weight status that may indicate risk for weight-related health problems. While not a direct measure of body fat, it correlates well with more direct measures of body fat.

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

Q2: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass, doesn't account for fat distribution, and may not be accurate for certain ethnic groups, pregnant women, or children.

Q3: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. However, optimal BMI may vary by age, sex, and ethnicity.

Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need BMI-for-age percentiles that account for growth patterns and sex differences.

Q5: What if my BMI is outside normal range?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for personalized assessment. They may recommend additional tests like waist circumference or body fat percentage.