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.

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

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults. It helps healthcare professionals assess health risks associated with underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure weight on a calibrated scale and height without shoes. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not accurately reflect body fat in athletes (high muscle mass), elderly (loss of muscle mass), or certain ethnic groups.

Q3: Can BMI be used for children?
A: No, BMI calculations for children use age and sex-specific percentiles rather than fixed categories.

Q4: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, doesn't account for fat distribution, and may not be suitable for all populations.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, BMI should be used alongside other measurements like waist circumference, body composition analysis, and overall health assessment.