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 and widely used screening tool to identify weight categories that may lead to health problems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Body weight in pounds (lbs)
• \( Height \) — Height in inches
• \( 703 \) — Conversion factor for imperial units

Explanation: This calculator accepts input in kilograms and feet, then converts to pounds and inches for calculation, providing the result in the standard kg/m² format.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI helps assess whether an individual has a healthy body weight for their height. It's used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems, though it doesn't directly measure body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in feet. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For accurate results, measure weight without heavy clothing and height without shoes.

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 not be accurate for athletes (high muscle mass), elderly (loss of muscle mass), pregnant women, and children.

Q3: Why convert from kg/feet to lbs/inches?
A: The standard BMI formula uses imperial units, so conversion is necessary when inputting metric measurements.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 3-6 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q5: What if my BMI is outside the normal range?
A: Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice. BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure.