1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults. It provides a useful population-level measure of overweight and obesity.

2. How BMI is Calculated

The BMI formula is:

Where:

• Weight — Measured in kilograms (kg)
• Height — Measured in meters (m)

Example: For a woman who weighs 65 kg and is 1.70 m tall, BMI = 65 / (1.70 × 1.70) = 22.5 kg/m²

3. BMI Categories for Females

Standard Categories:

• Underweight: BMI < 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5 - 24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25 - 29.9
• Obese: BMI ≥ 30

Note: While BMI is a useful screening tool, it doesn't directly measure body fat and may not account for muscle mass, bone density, or ethnic differences.

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert from cm to m by dividing by 100 (e.g., 170 cm = 1.70 m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI different for women than men?
A: The same BMI categories apply to both genders, but women typically have higher body fat percentages at the same BMI.

Q2: What is a healthy BMI range for women?
A: Generally 18.5-24.9, though optimal range may vary by age and ethnicity.

Q3: Can BMI be inaccurate for athletic women?
A: Yes, muscular individuals may have higher BMI without excess fat. Additional measurements like waist circumference may help.

Q4: Should pregnant women use BMI?
A: BMI calculations during pregnancy aren't meaningful. Use pre-pregnancy weight for reference.

Q5: Are there better alternatives to BMI?
A: Other measures like waist-to-hip ratio or body fat percentage may provide additional information about health risks.