1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = 703 × weight (lb) / [height (in)]². BMI screens for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body 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 weight relative to height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a quick screening tool for weight categories: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. While not diagnostic, it can indicate potential weight-related health risks.

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. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: Periodic checks (every 6-12 months) can help track changes, but focus on overall health rather than just BMI.

Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than adult categories.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, but individual factors like muscle mass matter.