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 standard 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 identify weight categories that may lead to health problems and is a quick and easy method for population assessment of overweight and obesity.

4. Using the Calculator

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

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 provides a general indicator but may not be accurate for athletes (higher muscle mass), elderly (loss of muscle mass), or pregnant women.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For general health monitoring, checking every 3-6 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so very muscular people may have a high BMI without health risks. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range for women?
A: For most women, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy and associated with the lowest health risks.