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 provides a useful population-level measure of overweight and obesity.

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 correlates fairly well with body fat in most people, though it doesn't directly measure body fat.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is important because it helps identify weight problems that may lead to health issues. Higher BMI is associated with increased risk of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For most accurate results, measure weight in the morning before eating and after using the bathroom.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI different for men and women?
A: The same BMI categories apply to both men and women, though women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q3: What are limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so muscular individuals may have high BMI without excess fat. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.

Q4: 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.

Q5: Should athletes use BMI?
A: Athletes with high muscle mass may want to use additional measures like body fat percentage, as BMI may overestimate their body fat.