1. What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Definition: BMI is a numerical value calculated from a person's weight and height that provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

Purpose: It is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but is not diagnostic of body fatness or health.

2. How Does the BMI Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( BMI \) — Body Mass Index (kg/m²)
• \( W \) — Weight (kilograms)
• \( H \) — Height (meters)

Explanation: The weight in kilograms is divided by the square of height in meters to calculate BMI.

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. All values must be > 0.

5. BMI Categories

Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
Obesity: BMI 30 or greater

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and those with muscular builds, and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q2: Can children use this calculator?
A: Children's BMI is interpreted differently than adults and requires age- and sex-specific percentiles.

Q3: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy.

Q4: How do I convert pounds to kilograms?
A: 1 pound = 0.453592 kilograms.

Q5: How do I convert feet/inches to meters?
A: 1 foot = 0.3048 meters, 1 inch = 0.0254 meters.