1. What is Body Mass Index (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 a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²).

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 a simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive surrogate measure of body fat. It is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults.

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 and height precisely.

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 (who have more muscle mass), the elderly (who may have lost muscle mass), or certain ethnic groups.

Q3: Should children use the same BMI categories?
A: No, BMI for children and teens is interpreted differently, taking into account age and sex-specific 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 accurate for certain populations.

Q5: Are there better alternatives to BMI?
A: Other measures like waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, or body fat percentage may provide additional information about health risks.