1. What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

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

Purpose: It's 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.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure that helps healthcare professionals discuss weight problems objectively with their patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults: 18.5-24.9 is normal, 25-29.9 is overweight, 30+ is obese.

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: How do I convert pounds to kilograms?
A: 1 pound = 0.453592 kg. Multiply pounds by 0.4536 to get kg.

Q4: How do I convert feet/inches to meters?
A: 1 foot = 0.3048 m, 1 inch = 0.0254 m. Example: 5'7" = (5×0.3048) + (7×0.0254) = 1.7018 m.

Q5: Should children use the same BMI categories?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific percentiles rather than fixed categories.