1. What is Body Mass Index?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

• \( mass \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)
• \( BMI \) — Body Mass Index in kg/m²

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass index by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. It helps categorize individuals into underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese categories for health assessment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and height in meters. Both values must be positive numbers. For accurate results, use precise measurements.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the standard BMI categories?
A: Underweight (Below 18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obesity (30 and above).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes, pregnant women, children, and the elderly as it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For general health monitoring, checking every 3-6 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q4: Can BMI be used for children?
A: BMI calculations for children use percentiles rather than fixed categories and should be interpreted by pediatric healthcare providers.

Q5: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or racial and sex differences.