1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) 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 standard 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 an important screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults. However, it should be used as a starting point for further assessment as it does not directly measure body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. Make sure to use accurate measurements for the most precise results. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories?
A: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obesity (BMI ≥ 30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (muscle weighs more than fat), elderly (loss of muscle mass), and certain ethnic groups.

Q3: Can children use this calculator?
A: This calculator is designed for adults. 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 ethnicities.

Q5: Should I rely solely on BMI for health assessment?
A: No, BMI should be used as a screening tool along with other measurements like waist circumference, body fat percentage, and overall health assessment.