Calculated Body Mass Index

BMI Formula:

\[ BMI = \frac{W}{H^2} \]

BMI (kg/m²):

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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:

\[ BMI = \frac{W}{H^2} \]

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 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 < 18.5
Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9
Overweight: BMI 25-29.9
Obesity: BMI ≥ 30

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How do I convert pounds to kilograms?
A: Multiply pounds by 0.453592 to get kilograms.

Q3: How do I convert feet/inches to meters?
A: First convert height to inches (feet × 12 + inches), then multiply by 0.0254 to get meters.

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

Q5: Should children use this calculator?
A: Children's BMI is interpreted differently using age and sex-specific percentiles.