1. What is BMI?

Definition: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a value derived from the mass (weight) and height of a person. The BMI is defined as the body mass divided by the square of the body height.

Purpose: BMI is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight, and obesity in adults.

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. BMI Categories

Details:

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

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: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (who may have high muscle mass), pregnant women, or the elderly.

Q2: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy.

Q3: Can I use pounds and inches?
A: This calculator uses metric units. For imperial units, the formula is (weight in pounds × 703) / (height in inches)².

Q4: Why is BMI important?
A: BMI is a simple screening tool that can indicate potential weight problems that may lead to health issues.

Q5: Does BMI measure body fat?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat but correlates with direct measures of body fat.