1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness.

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 is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. It helps categorize individuals into underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese categories, which can indicate potential health risks.

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: Does BMI apply differently to black females?
A: While the calculation formula is the same, some research suggests BMI thresholds for obesity-related health risks may differ slightly among ethnic groups.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so it may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older adults with muscle loss.

Q4: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for pregnant women, children, the elderly, or highly muscular individuals. Other measurements like waist circumference may provide additional information.

Q5: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking BMI every 6-12 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.