1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. It's a simple screening tool that may indicate whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass per unit of height squared, providing a standardized measure across different heights.

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 more direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

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

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), and Obese (BMI ≥ 30).

Q2: Does BMI interpretation change with age?
A: For adults, the same BMI categories apply to all ages. However, BMI may overestimate body fat in older adults who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: What are the 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: Is BMI different for men and women?
A: The calculation is the same, but women typically have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI for older men?
A: While the standard categories apply, some research suggests a BMI of 25-27 may be optimal for older men's longevity.