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 is defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters.

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 weights across different heights.

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 more objectively with their patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years, and select gender. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0, age between 1-120).

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: Does BMI differ by age and gender?
A: While the same formula applies to all adults, interpretation may vary slightly by age and gender, especially for children and teens.

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: Is BMI accurate for elderly people?
A: BMI may be less accurate in older adults who have lost muscle mass but maintained weight through fat accumulation.

Q5: Should BMI be used alone to assess health?
A: No, BMI should be used alongside other measurements like waist circumference and overall health assessment.