1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It's a simple screening tool to identify possible weight 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 index by dividing weight by the square of height, with a conversion factor for imperial units.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure that helps healthcare professionals track weight status and identify potential health risks associated with being underweight, overweight, or obese.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in pounds and height in inches. For accurate results, measure weight without heavy clothing and height without shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Does BMI apply to everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: Why use 703 in the formula?
A: This is the conversion factor needed when using pounds and inches instead of kilograms and meters.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every few months is sufficient unless directed otherwise by a healthcare provider.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, though individual factors may affect this.