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 compares your weight to your height to estimate body fatness and health risks.

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 health risks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accuracy, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal 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. Other measures like waist circumference may be needed.

Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 6-12 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.

Q4: What's a healthy BMI for women?
A: The healthy range is the same for both genders (18.5-24.9), but women naturally have higher body fat percentages than men at the same BMI.

Q5: Where can I get more NHS weight management advice?
A: Visit the NHS website or consult your GP for personalized advice on achieving a healthy weight.