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. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( Height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a screening tool that can indicate whether a woman is underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. However, it doesn't directly measure body fat and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or overall body composition.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure your height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the BMI categories for women?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI different for women than men?
A: The same BMI ranges apply to both genders, but women typically have higher body fat percentages than men at the same BMI.

Q3: What is a healthy BMI for women?
A: Generally 18.5 to 24.9, though this may vary based on individual factors like age and muscle mass.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for women?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletic/muscular women and underestimate it in older women who have lost muscle mass.

Q5: Should pregnant women use BMI?
A: BMI categories don't apply during pregnancy - consult your healthcare provider for appropriate weight gain guidance.