1. What is the Body Mass Index (BMI)?

The 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 BMI equation:

Where:

• \( peso \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( altura \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: The BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is an important screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults. However, it should not be used as a diagnostic tool for body fat percentage or health status.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. 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: 18.5-24.9, Overweight: 25-29.9, Obesity: ≥30

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes, elderly, pregnant women, or people with high muscle mass 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 are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial/sex differences.

Q5: Should children use the same BMI calculation?
A: No, children and teens need age and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than the adult categories.