1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity in adults. For women, a healthy BMI typically ranges between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m².

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula rearranged to calculate weight:

Where:

• \( BMI \) — Desired body mass index (typically 18.5-24.9 kg/m² for women)
• \( Height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: This calculation provides the weight range that would give you your target BMI at your current height.

3. Importance of Ideal Body Weight

Details: Maintaining an ideal body weight helps reduce risks of various health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your height in meters (1 meter = 3.28 feet). The default target BMI is set to 21.5 kg/m² (mid-range of normal weight), but you can adjust it within the healthy range (18.5-24.9).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range for women?
A: For adult women, 18.5-24.9 kg/m² is considered normal weight. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.

Q2: Does BMI account for muscle mass?
A: No, BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Very muscular women may have a high BMI without excess fat.

Q3: Is BMI different for women than men?
A: The BMI categories are the same, but women typically have higher body fat percentages than men at the same BMI.

Q4: What if I'm pregnant?
A: BMI calculations aren't appropriate during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider for weight guidance.

Q5: Are there better measures than BMI?
A: Waist circumference and body fat percentage may provide additional information, but BMI remains a useful screening tool.