1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a value derived from the mass and height of a person. The BMI is defined as the body mass divided by the square of the body height, and is expressed in units of kg/m², resulting from mass in kilograms and height in metres.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 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 relating weight to height squared, with a conversion factor for imperial units.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in pounds and height in inches. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For kg to pounds conversion, multiply kg by 2.20462.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults, 18.5 to 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 people who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: How do I convert kg to pounds?
A: Multiply kilograms by 2.20462 to get pounds (1 kg = 2.20462 lbs).

Q4: How do I convert cm to inches?
A: Multiply centimeters by 0.393701 to get inches (1 cm = 0.393701 in).

Q5: Should BMI be interpreted differently for men?
A: While the same BMI categories apply to both genders, men typically have more muscle mass which may affect interpretation.