BMI Formula:
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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared. For females, BMI provides a general indicator of body fatness.
The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.
Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. For adult females, BMI categories are:
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.
Q1: Is BMI different for females and males?
A: The same BMI formula applies to both genders, but interpretation may vary slightly as women naturally have higher body fat percentages than men at the same BMI.
Q2: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or racial and sex differences.
Q3: Is BMI accurate for pregnant women?
A: No, BMI should not be calculated during pregnancy as weight gain is expected and necessary for healthy fetal development.
Q4: What is a healthy BMI range for adult women?
A: For most adult women, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy, though individual factors should be considered.
Q5: Should athletes use BMI?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and others with muscular builds, as muscle weighs more than fat.