1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared. BMI screens for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

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: 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.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a useful screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For height, you can convert from cm to m by dividing by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults: Under 18.5 = Underweight, 18.5-24.9 = Healthy weight, 25.0-29.9 = Overweight, 30.0 and above = Obese.

Q2: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial/sex differences. Athletes may have high BMI from muscle not fat.

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

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.

Q5: Where can I get more information?
A: Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized assessment of your weight and health risks.