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 Do We Calculate Body Mass Index?

The calculator uses the 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. This provides a standardized measure that can be used to compare individuals of different heights.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is an important screening tool for identifying potential weight problems in adults. It helps healthcare professionals assess health risks associated with being underweight, overweight, or obese, and can indicate the need for further assessment and lifestyle changes.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories?
A: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), Overweight (BMI 25-29.9), Obesity (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 are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, doesn't account for fat distribution, and may not be suitable for pregnant women or certain ethnic populations.

Q5: 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.