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: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems objectively.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI helps identify weight categories that may lead to health problems. While not a direct measure of body fat, it correlates with more direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert from cm to m by dividing by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m).

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 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 lose or gain weight.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI for my age?
A: For adults, the healthy range is the same (18.5-24.9) regardless of age, though older adults may have slightly higher optimal BMI.

Q5: Where can I get more advice about my BMI?
A: Consult your GP or visit the NHS website for personalized advice based on your BMI results.