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 defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m²).

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 of body composition.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple screening tool that can indicate whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. While it doesn't directly measure body fat, it correlates well with more direct measures of body fatness.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accuracy, measure weight without heavy clothing and height without shoes. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the standard 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 same BMI ranges apply to both genders, though women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so muscular individuals may be classified as overweight. 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 actively trying to lose or gain weight.

Q5: Is BMI accurate for athletes?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes with high muscle mass. Additional measurements like waist circumference may be helpful.