1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person's weight in pounds divided by the square of height in inches. BMI is an inexpensive and easy screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass index by adjusting weight for height squared, with a conversion factor to account for imperial units.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in pounds and height in inches. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For most accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults 20+, a BMI between 18.5-24.9 is considered healthy. 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 persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific percentiles rather than the adult BMI categories.

Q4: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution.

Q5: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 6-12 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.