1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a value derived from an individual's weight and height. It provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems objectively with their patients.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in pounds (lbs)
• \( height \) — Height in inches
• 703 — Conversion factor to adjust units

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass per unit of height squared. The 703 factor converts from lbs/in² to the standard kg/m² units.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It helps identify potential weight problems in adults, though it doesn't diagnose body fatness or health directly.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in pounds and height in inches. For accurate results, measure weight without heavy clothing and height without shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.

Q2: Does BMI work the same for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older adults who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: Why is BMI important for women?
A: Women generally have higher body fat percentages than men at the same BMI. BMI helps assess health risks related to weight.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks (every 6-12 months) can help track changes, but don't obsess over small fluctuations.

Q5: What's better than BMI for health assessment?
A: Waist circumference, body fat percentage, and other measurements combined with BMI give a more complete picture.