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 calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

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 calculates body mass per unit of height squared, providing a standardized measure of body composition.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a quick screening tool for potential weight problems in adults. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown it correlates with direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years, and select gender. For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories?
A: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), and Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI different for men and women?
A: The same BMI formula applies to both genders, but women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q3: How does age affect BMI?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in older adults who have lost muscle mass and underestimate it in younger people with more muscle.

Q4: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes may be classified as overweight despite having low body fat.

Q5: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with unusual body compositions.