1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person's weight in pounds divided by the square of height in feet and inches. It's a simple screening tool to identify possible weight problems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Weight in pounds (lbs)
• \( height \) — Height converted to inches (feet × 12 + inches)
• 703 — Conversion factor (kg/m² to lbs/inches²)

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 objectively with their patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in pounds, height in feet and inches. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

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 (BMI ≥ 30).

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: What's a healthy BMI?
A: For most adults, an ideal BMI is in the 18.5 to 24.9 range.

Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific percentiles rather than the adult categories.

Q5: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or racial/sex differences.