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's a quick screening tool but doesn't directly measure body fat.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass per unit of height squared. The 703 factor converts from metric to imperial units.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of body fatness for most people. It helps identify potential weight problems, though it has limitations (doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, etc.).

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 (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: No. BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes (high muscle mass) and underestimate it in older adults (lost muscle mass).

Q3: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks (every few months) are sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q5: Should children use this calculator?
A: No. Children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles, not adult categories.