1. What is Body Mass Index?

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 body mass per unit of area, providing a standardized measure to assess weight status across different populations.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults. It helps healthcare professionals assess health risks associated with being underweight, overweight, or obese.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. Ensure accurate measurements for reliable results. The calculator will provide your BMI value and corresponding weight category.

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 accurately reflect body fat percentage in athletes, elderly, or those with high muscle mass, as it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat.

Q3: Can children use this calculator?
A: No, this calculator is for adults only. Children and teens require age and sex-specific BMI percentiles.

Q4: What if I know my weight in pounds and height in inches?
A: Convert pounds to kg (divide by 2.205) and inches to meters (multiply by 0.0254) before using this calculator.

Q5: What are the health risks associated with high BMI?
A: High BMI increases risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and other health conditions.