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:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates your weight in relation to your height to produce a single number that falls into specific categories.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI helps identify potential weight problems that may lead to health issues. For women, maintaining a healthy BMI is particularly important for hormonal balance, reproductive health, and reducing risks of osteoporosis.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For most accurate results, measure your weight in the morning before eating and wearing light clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is BMI different for women than men?
A: The calculation is the same, but women typically have higher body fat percentages at the same BMI compared to men.

Q3: When is BMI not accurate?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI for pregnant women?
A: BMI categories don't apply during pregnancy. Consult your midwife or doctor for weight guidance.

Q5: Should I worry if my BMI is slightly overweight?
A: The NHS recommends maintaining a BMI between 18.5-24.9. Even small reductions in weight (5-10%) can significantly improve health if you're overweight.