BMI Formula:
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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m2 where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m2 is their height in meters squared.
The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems objectively.
Details: BMI is a screening tool that may indicate whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. However, it's not a diagnostic tool as it doesn't directly measure body fat.
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure weight without heavy clothing and height without shoes.
Q1: What are the BMI categories?
A: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).
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: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking BMI annually is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.
Q4: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, though this may vary by ethnicity and other factors.
Q5: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than adult categories.