1. What is 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: The formula calculates a numerical value that corresponds to different weight categories.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: 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.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure your weight without heavy clothing and height without shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the standard BMI categories?
A: Underweight: BMI less than 18.5; Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9; Overweight: BMI 25-29.9; Obesity: BMI 30 or greater.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not accurately reflect body fat percentage in athletes (who may have higher muscle mass), the elderly, or pregnant women.

Q3: 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.

Q4: 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.

Q5: 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.