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 BMI equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation calculates body mass per unit of height squared, providing a standardized measure of body composition.

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 and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

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 accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not accurately reflect body fat in athletes (high muscle mass), elderly (loss of muscle mass), or certain ethnic groups.

Q3: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific percentiles rather than the adult BMI categories.

Q4: What's better than BMI?
A: For more precise assessment, waist circumference, skinfold thickness measurements, or DEXA scans may be used.

Q5: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.