BMI Formula:
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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared. For females, the normal range is typically 18.5–24.9.
The calculator uses the BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: 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.
Details: BMI is a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. For females, maintaining a BMI in the normal range (18.5–24.9) is associated with lower risks of weight-related health problems.
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accuracy, measure height without shoes and weight in light clothing. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).
Q1: What is a healthy BMI range for adult females?
A: For adult females, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is generally considered healthy. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.
Q2: Does BMI differ for males and females?
A: The same BMI categories apply to both adult males and females, though body composition differs between genders at the same BMI.
Q3: What are BMI limitations?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so muscular individuals may have high BMI without excess fat. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.
Q4: Is BMI accurate for all body types?
A: BMI may be less accurate for athletes (who have more muscle), pregnant women, and the elderly (who may have lost muscle mass).
Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of healthy weight?
A: No. Waist circumference, body fat percentage, and other measurements should also be considered for a complete health assessment.