BMI Calculator

🏥 What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It is a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults.

🧮 Formula Used

BMI = Weight (kg) / (Height (m))²

Where height is converted from centimeters to meters by dividing by 100.

📊 BMI Categories (WHO Standards)

• Below 18.5: Underweight - May indicate malnutrition or eating disorders
• 18.5 - 24.9: Normal weight - Healthy weight range
• 25.0 - 29.9: Overweight - Increased risk of health problems
• 30.0 and above: Obese - High risk of health complications

💡 Example

For a person weighing 70 kg with height 175 cm (1.75 m):

BMI = 70 / (1.75)² = 70 / 3.0625 = 22.9

This falls in the Normal weight category.

⚠️ BMI Limitations

• Does not distinguish between muscle and fat mass
• May not be accurate for athletes with high muscle mass
• Does not account for age, gender, or bone structure
• May not be suitable for pregnant women
• Different standards may apply for children and elderly

💪 Maintaining Healthy Weight

• Balanced Diet: Eat nutritious foods in appropriate portions
• Regular Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
• Stay Hydrated: Drink adequate water throughout the day
• Good Sleep: Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep
• Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques

How Gender and Age Affect BMI

• Gender: Women naturally have more body fat than men at the same BMI. BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletic men may have a higher BMI but lower body fat.
• Age: For children and teens, BMI is interpreted differently and compared to percentiles for age and sex. For seniors, BMI may not reflect body fat accurately due to muscle loss with aging.

Always consult a healthcare professional for a complete assessment of your health.