1. What is BMI?

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. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The formula divides the weight by the square of the height to account for the relationship between height and body surface area.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. For women, it's particularly important in assessing risks related to obesity and underweight conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For best results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI different for women than men?
A: The calculation is the same, but interpretation may differ slightly as women naturally have higher body fat percentages.

Q3: When is BMI not accurate?
A: For athletes (high muscle mass), pregnant women, the elderly, or those with significant edema.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI range for women?
A: Generally 18.5 to 24.9, though individual factors like muscle mass and frame size should be considered.

Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, it should be used alongside other measurements like waist circumference and body composition analysis.