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 Wales tool provides a standardized way to calculate BMI for adults in England and Wales.

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 divides your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared to give your BMI score.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI helps identify potential weight problems in adults. While not a diagnostic tool, it can indicate whether someone might be underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

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), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (30 and above).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (high muscle mass), pregnant women, or the elderly. Other measures may be needed.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, but individual circumstances may vary.

Q5: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children need age- and sex-specific BMI calculators as their body composition changes with growth.