1. What is Body Mass Index (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 the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m²).

2. How Does the BMI Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Weight in kilograms
• \( height_{m} \) — Height in meters

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 an important screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults. However, it should be used as a starting point for further assessment as it does not directly measure body fat.

4. Indian BMI Categories (ICMR Guidelines)

Indian Specific Categories:

• < 18.5 kg/m² — Underweight
• 18.5 - 22.9 kg/m² — Normal weight
• 23.0 - 24.9 kg/m² — Overweight
• ≥ 25.0 kg/m² — Obese

Note: These thresholds are lower than international standards due to higher health risks at lower BMI levels in Indian population.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are BMI categories different for Indians?
A: Indians have higher body fat percentage and increased risk of metabolic diseases at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians, hence lower cutoff points.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for athletes and bodybuilders?
A: No, BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and muscular individuals as it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass.

Q3: Can BMI be used for children?
A: No, BMI interpretation for children is different and uses age and sex-specific percentile charts.

Q4: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial/ethnic differences in body fat distribution.

Q5: What should I do if my BMI is outside normal range?
A: Consult a healthcare professional for proper assessment and personalized advice on diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.