1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²).

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 screening tool that can indicate whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. However, it doesn't directly measure body fat and may not account for muscle mass, bone density, or overall body composition.

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 toilet. Height should be measured without shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI different for men and women?
A: The calculation is the same, but healthy ranges may differ slightly due to body composition differences.

Q3: How does age affect BMI interpretation?
A: Older adults may have a slightly higher healthy BMI range compared to younger adults.

Q4: What are BMI limitations?
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 pregnant women, bodybuilders, and people with very short or tall stature.