1. What is Body Mass Index (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, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

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 body mass index by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is widely used as a 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 associated with weight.

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 BMI categories for adults?
A: Underweight: <18.5, Normal weight: 18.5-24.9, Overweight: 25-29.9, Obesity: ≥30.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not accurately reflect body fat percentage in athletes (who may have more muscle mass), the elderly (who may have lost muscle mass), or certain ethnic groups.

Q3: Can BMI be used for children?
A: BMI calculations for children and teens are interpreted differently than for adults, taking into account age and sex-specific 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 accurate for very tall or short individuals.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, BMI should be used as a screening tool alongside other assessments like waist circumference, diet evaluation, physical activity levels, and family history.