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BMI Formula (Imperial):
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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and 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.
The calculator uses the imperial BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates your body mass index by dividing your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared, then multiplying by a conversion factor of 703.
Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. While it doesn't directly measure body fat, it correlates with more direct measures of body fat and offers a inexpensive method of screening for weight categories that may lead to health problems.
Tips: Enter your weight in pounds, and your height in feet and inches. For accurate results, measure your weight without heavy clothing and measure your height without shoes.
Q1: What are the BMI categories?
A: Underweight (Below 18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), and Obesity (30 and above).
Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and others with a muscular build and may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass.
Q3: Should children use the same BMI calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific percentile interpretations of BMI because their body composition varies as they age.
Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking BMI annually is sufficient unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.
Q5: Does BMI account for different body types?
A: No, BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass or account for body frame size or fat distribution.