1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out 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 NHS BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI helps identify whether you're a healthy weight for your height. The NHS classifies BMI results as:

• Below 18.5 - Underweight
• 18.5-24.9 - Healthy weight
• 25-29.9 - Overweight
• 30-39.9 - Obese
• 40 or above - Severely obese

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accuracy, measure your height without shoes and weight in light clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI has limitations. It may not be accurate for athletes (high muscle mass), pregnant women, or elderly people who may have lost muscle mass.

Q2: What if I know my weight in stones/pounds?
A: Convert stones to kg by multiplying by 6.35. Convert pounds to kg by multiplying by 0.45.

Q3: What if I know my height in feet/inches?
A: Convert feet to meters by multiplying by 0.3048. Convert inches to meters by multiplying by 0.0254.

Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age and sex-specific BMI calculations as their bodies change with growth.

Q5: 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.