1. What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

BMI is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity in adults. It provides a useful population-level measure of weight status.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula divides a person's weight by the square of their height to produce a standardized index.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. It correlates moderately well with body fat percentage and is simple to calculate.

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 standard BMI categories?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obesity (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular individuals and underestimate it in older people with lost muscle mass.

Q3: Why use metric units?
A: The standard BMI formula uses kg/m². For imperial units, multiply weight (lbs) by 703 / [height (in)]².

Q4: Does BMI differ for men and women?
A: The same formula applies to both, though body composition differs between genders at the same BMI.

Q5: What are healthy BMI ranges for adults?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, though optimal range may vary by ethnicity.