1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It is a simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive method to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Weight in pounds (converted from kg)
• \( height \) — Height in inches (converted from feet)
• \( 703 \) — Conversion factor for imperial units

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass index by dividing weight in pounds by height in inches squared, then multiplying by the conversion factor 703.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in feet. The calculator automatically converts these measurements to pounds and inches for the BMI calculation. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obesity (≥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: Why use kg and feet instead of pounds and inches?
A: This calculator accommodates users who prefer metric weight measurements while using imperial height measurements.

Q4: Can children use this calculator?
A: No, this calculator is designed for adults. Children and teens require age and sex-specific BMI percentiles.

Q5: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking BMI every 6-12 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.