BMI Formula (UK):
From: | To: |
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness.
The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula divides a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.
Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. It helps categorize individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).
Q1: What are the BMI categories?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (≥30).
Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.
Q3: Can children use this calculator?
A: This calculator is for adults. Children's BMI is interpreted differently using age and sex-specific percentile charts.
Q4: What's the difference between UK and US BMI formulas?
A: The formula is the same, but some calculators may accept pounds and inches (US) vs kilograms and meters (UK).
Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, BMI should be considered alongside other measurements like waist circumference and body composition.