1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a value derived from an individual's weight and height. It provides a simple numeric measure of a person's body fatness and is used to categorize weight status.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula for pounds and inches:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Weight in pounds (lbs)
• \( height \) — Height converted to inches (feet × 12 + inches)
• 703 — Conversion factor to adapt the metric formula to imperial units

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple screening tool that can indicate whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. While it doesn't directly measure body fat, it correlates with more direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in pounds, and height in feet and inches. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). 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 (BMI < 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 muscular individuals and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.

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

Q4: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: Doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, doesn't account for fat distribution, and may not be accurate for certain ethnic groups.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, but consult a healthcare provider for individual assessment.