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 standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass index by dividing weight by the square of height, providing a standardized measurement for body composition assessment.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. It provides a quick assessment of whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. Ensure accurate measurements for precise results. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the standard 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 (muscle weighs more than fat), elderly (muscle loss), or certain ethnic groups.

Q3: Can children use this calculator?
A: This calculator is for adults only. Children and teens require age and sex-specific BMI percentiles.

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 all populations.

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