1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a value derived from the mass and height of a person. It provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass per unit of height squared, providing a standardized measure of body composition.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in pounds and height in inches. For this specific calculator, height is pre-set to 64 inches (5'4") for females, but can be adjusted if needed.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults, 18.5-24.9 is considered normal weight. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.

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

Q3: Why is height pre-set to 5'4" in this calculator?
A: This calculator is specifically designed for females of average height (5'4"), but the height can be adjusted if needed.

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 BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, BMI should be considered alongside other measurements like waist circumference, body composition, and overall health indicators.