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 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
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The formula divides a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a quick screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

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

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), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and those with muscular build, and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.

Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI calculations as their body composition varies with age.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, but individual circumstances may vary.