1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

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 compares your weight to your height to estimate body fat. It's calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is an inexpensive and easy screening method for weight categories that may indicate health problems. It helps identify potential weight issues in adults.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For pounds and inches, first convert to metric units (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 weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI different for women and men?
A: The calculation is the same, but women typically have higher body fat percentages than men at the same BMI.

Q3: What are 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: What is a healthy BMI for women?
A: Generally 18.5-24.9, though optimal range may vary by age and ethnicity.

Q5: Should pregnant women use BMI?
A: BMI calculations during pregnancy aren't meaningful. Pre-pregnancy BMI is used to guide weight gain recommendations.