1. What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy. The NHS BMI calculator for adults helps determine if you're a healthy weight for your height.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. The NHS healthy weight range is 18.5-24.9 kg/m². Maintaining a healthy BMI can help reduce the risk of developing serious health problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure your height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the NHS healthy BMI range?
A: The NHS considers a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 as healthy weight for adults.

Q2: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: Yes, BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes with high muscle mass may have high BMI without being overweight.

Q3: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for pregnant women, children, elderly people, or those with very high muscle mass.

Q4: What if my BMI is outside the healthy range?
A: Consult your GP for personalized advice. They may recommend dietary changes, exercise, or other lifestyle modifications.

Q5: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 3-6 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.