1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy. The NHS uses BMI as a simple way to assess whether someone might be underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Your weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Your height in meters (m)

Explanation: BMI compares your weight to your height to estimate body fatness. It's a simple screening tool but doesn't directly measure body fat.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI helps identify potential weight problems in adults. While not a diagnostic tool, it can indicate when someone might be at higher risk for health problems related to weight.

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 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+).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (high muscle mass), pregnant women, or some ethnic groups with different body compositions.

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 should I do if my BMI is outside the healthy range?
A: Consult your GP or a health professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Q5: Are there alternatives to BMI?
A: Other measures include waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, or body fat percentage, but these often require professional measurement.