1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure that uses your height and weight to determine if your weight is healthy. The NHS uses BMI as a screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Your weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Your height in meters

Explanation: BMI compares your weight to your height to estimate body fatness and health risks.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI helps identify weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but is not diagnostic of body fatness or health.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For most accurate results, measure your height without shoes and weight in light clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the NHS BMI categories?
A: Underweight (below 18.5), Healthy weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (30 and above).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children need special BMI calculators that account for age and sex differences in body fat.

Q4: What if I know my weight in stones/pounds?
A: Convert to kilograms first (1 stone = 6.35kg, 1 pound = 0.45kg).

Q5: What should I do if my BMI is high?
A: Consult your GP who may consider other measurements like waist circumference and overall health risks.