1. What is BMI?

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. For pounds and inches, the formula is adjusted with a conversion factor of 703.

2. How Does the BMI Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula for pounds and inches:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in pounds (lbs)
• \( height \) — Height in inches (in)
• 703 — Conversion factor (kg/m² to lbs/in²)

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass divided by the square of body height, adjusted for imperial units.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in pounds and height in inches. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults: Under 18.5 = Underweight, 18.5-24.9 = Normal, 25.0-29.9 = Overweight, 30.0 and above = Obese.

Q2: Is BMI different for women and men?
A: The same BMI formula applies to both, but women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or racial/ethnic differences.

Q4: Is BMI accurate for athletes?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes with high muscle mass and underestimate it in older people with less muscle mass.

Q5: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific percentiles rather than the adult BMI categories.