1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight to assess body fatness. It provides a reliable indicator of body fat for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

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 divides weight by the square of height to account for the fact that weight increases with the square of height in most people.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a quick screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It helps identify potential weight problems in adults, though it's not a diagnostic tool.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For most accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

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: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older people with lost muscle mass.

Q3: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy.

Q5: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks (every 6-12 months) can help track changes, but focus more on overall health markers.