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. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories.

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 correlates weight with the square of height to estimate body fat percentage.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a quick screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. It helps assess risk for diseases that can occur with overweight and obesity.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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

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

Q4: Does BMI apply to children?
A: Children's BMI is calculated differently, using percentiles specific to age and sex.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI for older adults?
A: Some studies suggest 23-27 may be healthier for seniors than the standard 18.5-24.9 range.