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 widely used in clinical practice and public health.

2. How BMI is Calculated

The standard BMI formula for pounds and inches:

Where:

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

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

3. BMI Categories

Standard BMI 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 most accurate results, measure your height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI is a useful screening tool but doesn't directly measure body fat. It may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older adults with lost muscle mass.

Q2: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. However, optimal BMI may vary by age, sex, and ethnicity.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For adults, checking every 6-12 months is reasonable unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.

Q4: Why is the formula different for children?
A: Children's BMI is age and sex-specific because their body composition changes as they grow.

Q5: Are there better alternatives to BMI?
A: Other measures like waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, or body fat percentage may provide additional information about health risks.