1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy. The NHS UK uses BMI as a simple 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 provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI helps identify weight categories that may lead to health problems. According to NHS UK, BMI categories are:

• Below 18.5 - Underweight
• 18.5 to 24.9 - Healthy weight
• 25 to 29.9 - Overweight
• 30 or above - Obese

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Measure your weight in kilograms (kg)
• Measure your height in meters (m)
• For accuracy, measure weight without heavy clothing
• Measure height without shoes

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI has limitations. It may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.

Q2: What is a healthy BMI range for adults?
A: According to NHS UK, the healthy range is 18.5 to 24.9. However, optimal BMI may vary by age and ethnicity.

Q3: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need BMI-for-age percentiles that account for growth patterns and sex differences.

Q4: What if my BMI is high?
A: Consult your GP. They may assess other factors like waist circumference, diet, and activity levels.

Q5: Where can I get more information?
A: Visit the NHS website for more information on healthy weight management.