1. What is Body Mass Index?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It is a simple and widely used method to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity.

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 is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. The result provides a numeric value that falls into specific categories.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is an important screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults. It helps healthcare professionals assess health risks associated with being underweight, overweight, or obese, including increased risk for chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. Ensure accurate measurements for precise results. The calculator will provide your BMI value and corresponding weight category.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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

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

Q4: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy and associated with the lowest health risks.

Q5: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: Yes, BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, doesn't account for fat distribution, and may not be suitable for all populations.