Question 1

How is BMI calculated?

Accepted Answer

BMI (Body Mass Index) = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². It's a simple number that provides a rough indicator of body fatness and is a common reference for assessing whether weight is healthy. This tool uses the WHO international standard for categorization.

Question 2

What are the BMI categories?

Accepted Answer

According to WHO standards: BMI below 18.5 is underweight, 18.5–24.9 is normal, 25–29.9 is overweight, and 30 or above is obese. Note that some countries and regions (like China) use slightly lower local cutoff values for further reference.

Question 3

Is BMI applicable to everyone?

Accepted Answer

Not entirely. BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat, so it can be misleading for athletes, pregnant women, the elderly, and growing children. It's a quick reference only and cannot replace body fat percentage tests or a doctor's professional evaluation.

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