1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight to estimate body fat. It provides a quick screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( Height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: BMI correlates moderately well with body fat percentage for most people, though it doesn't directly measure body fat.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI helps identify potential weight problems in adults. It's used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems, but it's not diagnostic of body fatness or health.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For pounds and inches, convert first (1 kg = 2.2 lbs, 1 m = 39.37 inches).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal (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 underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks (every 6-12 months) can help track changes, but don't rely on it as your only health indicator.

Q4: Can children use this calculator?
A: Children need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than adult categories.

Q5: What's better than BMI for measuring health?
A: Waist circumference, body fat percentage, and other measurements combined give a fuller health picture.