1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) 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. It's used to screen for weight categories that might indicate higher risk of health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

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), 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 (muscle loss). Other measures like waist circumference 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 should I do if my BMI is outside the healthy range?
A: Consult with your GP or a dietitian for personalized advice on achieving a healthy weight.

Q5: Does BMI differ for children?
A: Yes, children's BMI is calculated differently using percentile charts that account for age and sex.