1. What is BMI?

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.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in feet (ft)
• 3.28084 — Conversion factor from feet to meters

Explanation: The formula converts height from feet to meters, then calculates the ratio of weight to squared height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is widely used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's a simple, non-invasive method to assess whether a woman has a healthy body weight.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in feet. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range for women?
A: For adult women, 18.5-24.9 is considered normal weight. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.

Q2: Does BMI differ for men and women?
A: The same BMI ranges apply to both genders, though women typically have higher body fat percentages at the same BMI.

Q3: When should BMI not be used?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (high muscle mass), pregnant women, the elderly, or those with significant edema.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 6-12 months is sufficient unless actively trying to lose or gain weight.

Q5: Are there better alternatives to BMI?
A: More precise measures include body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, or DEXA scans, but these require special equipment.