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 standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: BMI compares your weight to your height to give an indication of whether you're underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI helps identify potential weight problems that may lead to health issues. It's used by the NHS to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

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 has limitations - it may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older people with less muscle mass.

Q3: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children need BMI calculators that account for age and sex-specific percentiles.

Q4: What if I know my weight in stones and height in feet?
A: Convert stones to kg (1 stone = 6.35kg) and feet to meters (1 foot = 0.3048m) before using this calculator.

Q5: What should I do if my BMI is outside the healthy range?
A: Consult your GP for advice. BMI is just a screening tool - other measurements like waist circumference may also be important.