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's used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but is not a diagnostic tool.

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 helps assess whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, which can indicate potential health risks.

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, below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.

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: Can I use pounds and inches?
A: For imperial units, use: BMI = (weight in lbs × 703) / (height in inches)²

Q4: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, and doesn't account for fat distribution.

Q5: Should children use this calculator?
A: Children need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than adult categories.