1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out 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 BMI formula:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI helps identify weight categories that may lead to health problems. For women, it's particularly important as it can indicate risks for conditions like PCOS, osteoporosis, and pregnancy complications.

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 is a healthy BMI for women?
A: For most women, 18.5-24.9 is healthy. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for all women?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular women and underestimate it in older women who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: How does NHS use BMI?
A: The NHS uses BMI alongside other measurements like waist circumference to assess health risks.

Q4: Should pregnant women use BMI?
A: BMI calculations aren't accurate during pregnancy. Use pre-pregnancy weight for reference.

Q5: What's next after calculating BMI?
A: If your BMI is outside the healthy range, consult your GP for personalized advice.