1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m²).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( Height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The calculator automatically converts different units (lbs to kg, cm/in/ft to m) before performing the calculation.

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 and height in any available units. The calculator will automatically convert them to metric units (kg and m) for the BMI calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or racial and sex differences.

Q3: Is BMI different for children?
A: Yes, BMI for children is age and sex-specific and is referred to as BMI-for-age percentile.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q5: Should athletes use BMI?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes with high muscle mass. Other measures like body fat percentage may be more appropriate.