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 screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults.

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 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 categorizes BMI results as:

• Below 18.5: Underweight
• 18.5-24.9: Healthy weight
• 25-29.9: Overweight
• 30 and above: Obese

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, 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 overestimate body fat in athletes (muscle weighs more than fat) and underestimate in older people who have lost muscle.

Q2: What if I know my weight in stones/pounds?
A: Convert stones to kg (1 stone = 6.35kg) and pounds to kg (1 pound = 0.45kg) before using this calculator.

Q3: What if I know my height in feet/inches?
A: Convert feet to meters (1 foot = 0.3048m) and inches to meters (1 inch = 0.0254m) before using this calculator.

Q4: Does BMI apply to children?
A: No, children's BMI is calculated differently using percentile charts that account for age and sex.

Q5: What should I do if my BMI is outside the healthy range?
A: Consult your GP for advice. They may suggest dietary changes, exercise, or other interventions depending on your result.