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.

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 the ratio of weight to height squared, providing a standardized measure of body fatness.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure weight without heavy clothing and height without shoes. 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), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (high muscle mass), elderly (loss of muscle mass), pregnant women, and children.

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: For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy and associated with the lowest health risks.

Q5: Can BMI be used for children?
A: BMI calculations for children and teens are interpreted differently, using age and sex-specific percentile charts rather than fixed categories.