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Guide to use BMI-calculator
What is BMI? Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height. It is used as a screening tool to categorize body fat and assess potential health risks. Formula: Metric: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)^2 Imperial: BMI = (weight (lb) × 703) / height (in)^2 BMI Categories (Adults): - Below 18.5: Underweight - 18.5 - 24.9: Normal weight - 25.0 - 29.9: Overweight - 30.0 - 34.9: Obesity Class I - 35.0 - 39.9: Obesity Class II - 40.0 and above: Obesity Class III Usage of BMI: 1. Health Screening Tool: Quick way to identify weight categories. 2. Risk Assessment: Indicates risk of diabetes, heart disease, etc. 3. Public Health: Used in statistics and policy-making. 4. Research: Categorizing subjects for studies. Limitations of BMI: - Doesn't measure fat directly or fat distribution. - May misclassify athletes, elderly, or different ethnic groups. Alternatives and Complements: - Waist circumference - Waist-to-hip ratio - Body fat percentage - Clinical assessments Conclusion: BMI is a useful starting point but should be combined with other health indicators for a complete picture.