1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula correlates weight to height squared to estimate body fat and health risks.

3. Importance of BMI

Details: BMI helps identify potential weight problems in adults, though it doesn't directly measure body fat. Healthcare providers use it as a screening tool for weight categories.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories?
A: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), and Obese (30+).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older adults with lost muscle mass.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks are helpful, but focus should be on overall health rather than frequent BMI measurements.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, but individual factors should be considered.

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