1. What is BMI (Body Mass Index)?

Definition: BMI is a numerical value calculated from a person's weight and height that provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

Purpose: It's used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems, though it doesn't directly measure body fat.

2. How Does the BMI Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( Height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The weight is divided by the square of height to get the BMI value.

3. BMI Categories for Women (2024)

Details:

• Underweight: BMI < 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25-29.9
• Obesity: BMI ≥ 30

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert from cm to m by dividing by 100 (e.g., 165 cm = 1.65 m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI different for women than men?
A: The calculation is the same, but women naturally have higher body fat percentages, so results should be interpreted with this in mind.

Q2: What's a healthy BMI for women?
A: Generally 18.5-24.9, but this can vary based on age, muscle mass, and other factors.

Q3: Why use BMI if it doesn't measure body fat?
A: It's a simple, inexpensive screening tool that correlates well with body fat for most people.

Q4: How accurate is BMI for athletic women?
A: Less accurate as muscle weighs more than fat. Athletic women may have higher BMI without excess fat.

Q5: Should elderly women use the same BMI ranges?
A: Slightly higher BMI (up to 27) may be healthier for older women as some fat protects against osteoporosis.