1. What is Body Mass Index?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult women. It provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass index by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. It helps healthcare providers determine if a woman is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, which can indicate potential health risks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For accurate results, measure weight and height without shoes and heavy 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), Obesity (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for all women?
A: BMI may not accurately reflect body fat in muscular athletes, pregnant women, or the elderly as it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most women, checking BMI every 3-6 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.

Q4: Are there better alternatives to BMI?
A: While BMI is a good screening tool, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat percentage measurements can provide additional information.

Q5: Should BMI be interpreted differently for different ethnicities?
A: Some ethnic groups may have different health risks at the same BMI levels, so healthcare providers may adjust interpretations accordingly.