1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. It correlates with more direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and optionally age. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

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), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI different for women and men?
A: The same BMI ranges apply to both women and men, though 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. Some suggest slightly higher BMI ranges for elderly.

Q4: Are there limitations to 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.

Q5: What is a healthy BMI for women?
A: For most women, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy, though individual factors should be considered.