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click this link to see if you are classed as overweight or obese for your height age and weight group.

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The body mass index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy.

Who can use the calculator

The BMI calculator is suitable for adults and children aged 2 years old and over.

The BMI calculator may not be suitable if you think you have an eating disorder or are being treated for one. Ask a GP for advice.

If you are pregnant, use your pre-pregnancy weight when calculating your BMI.

BMI weight ranges

Adults

A BMI calculation in the healthy weight range is between 18.5 to 24.9.

For Black, Asian and some other minority ethnic groups, the healthy weight range is 18.5 to 23.

For people of White heritage, a BMI:

below 18.5 is underweight

between 18.5 and 24.9 is healthy

between 25 and 29.9 is overweight

of 30 or over is obese

Black, Asian and some other minority ethnic groups have a higher risk of developing some long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes with a lower BMI. People from these groups with a BMI of:

23 or more are at increased risk (overweight)

27.5 or more are at high risk (obese)

Children's BMI

For children and young people aged between 2 to 18 years old, the BMI calculator takes into account age and gender as well as height and weight.

A child's BMI is given as a "centile". The centile number shows how their BMI compares with other children of the same age and sex as a percentage.

For example, a girl on the 75th centile is heavier than 75 out of 100 other girls her age.

The BMI calculator works out if a child or young person is:

underweight - on the 2nd centile or below

a healthy weight - between the 2nd and 91st centiles

overweight - 91st centile or above

very overweight - 98th centile or above

See a GP if you're concerned about your child's weight. They may be able to refer you to your local healthy lifestyle programme for children, young people and families.

Limitations of the BMI

Muscle mass

The BMI calculation does not include muscle mass, which weighs more than fat.

This means muscular adults and athletes may be classed as overweight or obese even though their body fat is low.

BMI results

Underweight

Being underweight could be a sign you're not eating enough or you may be ill. If you're underweight, a GP can help.
Find out more in underweight adults
If you have an eating disorder, the BMI calculation results do not apply. Please get further advice from a GP.

Healthy weight

Find out more about having a balanced diet and find fitness videos you can try at home to maintain a healthy weight.

Overweight

If you want to lose weight, you can find more information at NHS Better Health.

Obese

Read more information about obesity. You may want to see a GP for help and advice.

Waist to height ratio

Measuring your waist to height ratio can tell you if you have excess tummy fat, even if you have a healthy BMI.

To calculate your waist to height ratio, measure your waist and divide it by your height. Use measurements in the same units (for example, centimetres or inches).

A waist to height ratio of 0.5 or higher means you may have increased health risks such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.

To measure your waist:

1. Find the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips (just above your belly button).

2. Wrap a tape measure around your waist midway between these points.

3. Breathe out naturally before taking the measurement.

How the BMI is calculated

The BMI calculation divides an adult's weight in kilograms (kg) by their height in metres (m) squared.

For example, if you weigh 70kg (around 11 stone) and are 1.73m (around 5 feet 8 inches) tall, you work out your BMI by:

1. squaring your height: 1.73x1.73 = 2.99

2. dividing 70 by 2.99 = 23.41

Your result will be displayed to 1 decimal place, for example 23.4.

A child's BMI is expressed as a "centile" to show how their BMI compares with other children of the same age and sex as a percentage.

For example, a girl on the 75th centile is heavier than 75 out of 100 other girls her age.

Next steps

You can use your BMI result as a starting point for further discussion with a GP about your weight and general health.

A BMI above the healthy weight range or too much fat around your waist can increase your risk of serious health problems like:

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Check your BMI and understand your result

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In the 1950s and 60s only 2% of the population was obese.

By 1989 the government had now recognised this figure was rising

Processed/microwaved foods are higher in salts and fats, this has now changed the way we cook our food.

in 2015, it was reported 1/4 Teens in the UK alone are now obese by their 15th birthday according to an article in the telegraph.

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Latest news, business, sport, comment, lifestyle and culture from the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph newspapers and video from Telegraph TV.

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One of the most commonly known ways of enjoyment whiles exercising is through a sport.

This website will give you some options and reasons as to why you should take part in a sport or at least consider doing so.

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By playing the National Lottery, you're helping people across England play sport and get physically active. That's because two-thirds of our funding comes from the lottery. Thank you to everyone who has ever bought a ticket for supporting us in building a healthier, happier nation.

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Uniting | The | Movement | Sport England

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Sport England's vision is to transform lives and communities through sport and physical activity, driven by Uniting the Movement, a 10-year strategy of change.

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Here is a list I have came up with to suggest some areas around Knowsley that host sports or activites that might appeal to you

- Kirkby Leisure Centre
sports halls, astroturf, swimming pool, gymnasium
- Knowsley Vale ABC
boxing ring, circuit training.

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Volair -Health & Fitness, Gyms, Swimming, Velodrome, BMX, Spa, Football

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Health & Fitness in Knowsley, Exercise Classes; Gyms, Steam Rooms; Swimming Lessons; Squash Courts; Children's Parties; Badminton Courts, Football, Spa.....

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Down below is a link to the NHS website for change4life, on this page you can find facts about the food you eat on a daily basis to see how healthy or unhealthy they are for you.

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We know kids love sugary things. But too much sugar can lead to serious diseases like type 2 diabetes, which people are getting younger than ever before, and heart disease.

We've got an easy way to cut back on sugar, with lower sugar swaps on the things we eat every day.

That means kids get less sugar, but are still happy!
Sugar swaps for kids

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Food Facts | Kids Eating Too Much - Change4Life

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We know kids love sugary things. But too much sugar can lead to serious diseases like type 2 diabetes, which people are getting younger than ever before, and heart disease. We've got an easy way to cut back on sugar, with lower sugar swaps on the things we eat every day.