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. This calculator uses the US customary units version (lbs and inches).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI equation:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of BMI

Details: BMI is a screening tool to identify possible weight problems, though it doesn't diagnose body fatness or health. Healthcare providers use BMI along with other assessments to evaluate health risks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in pounds and height in inches. For most adults, BMI provides a good estimate of weight-related health risks.

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 people with lost muscle mass.

Q3: Why is BMI used if it's not perfect?
A: It's a simple, inexpensive screening method that correlates with more direct measures of body fat.

Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy.