1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value calculated from weight and height that provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people. It's used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

2. How BMI is Calculated

The BMI formula is:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula compares your weight to your height squared, with the conversion factor adjusting for imperial units.

3. BMI Categories for Women

Categories:

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
• Obese: BMI 30 or greater

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI different for women than men?
A: The calculation is the same, but women typically have higher body fat percentages at the same BMI compared to men.

Q2: What's a healthy BMI for women?
A: Generally 18.5-24.9, though athletes may have higher BMI from muscle mass rather than fat.

Q3: Does BMI work for pregnant women?
A: No, BMI calculations aren't accurate during pregnancy due to weight changes.

Q4: What are BMI limitations?
A: Doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so muscular individuals may be misclassified as overweight.

Q5: Should older women use the same BMI ranges?
A: Some experts suggest slightly higher ranges (up to 27) may be acceptable for women over 65.