BMI Formula:
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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a value derived from the mass and height of a person. It provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.
The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: The calculation adjusts for age and gender to provide more accurate categorization of weight status.
Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's used to identify possible weight problems in adults and children.
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years, and select gender. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0, age between 0-120).
Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults, 18.5-24.9 is considered healthy. However, optimal ranges may vary by age and gender.
Q2: Does BMI differ for men and women?
A: The calculation is the same, but healthy ranges may differ slightly, especially for children and adolescents.
Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes may have high BMI without excess fat. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.
Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 6-12 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.
Q5: Should children use the same BMI categories as adults?
A: No, children's BMI is interpreted using age- and gender-specific percentiles rather than fixed categories.