1. What is 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 BMI formula:

Where:

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

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 widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. Make sure to use accurate measurements for the most precise results. 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: BMI 18.5-24.9; Overweight: BMI 25-29.9; Obese: BMI ≥ 30.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes with high muscle mass, pregnant women, children, and the elderly as it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For general monitoring, checking every 3-6 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is generally considered healthy for most adults.

Q5: Can BMI be used for children?
A: BMI calculations for children and teens are interpreted differently, taking age and sex into account through percentile rankings.