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. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: The calculation divides your weight by the square of your height to determine your BMI category.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. For women, CDC guidelines provide specific BMI ranges that indicate underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For printable results, use your browser's print function after calculating your BMI.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the CDC BMI categories for women?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).

Q2: 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.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and may misclassify muscular individuals or those with different body compositions.

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: Where can I get more information?
A: Visit the CDC website for more detailed information about BMI and health.