Body Mass Index

Definition

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple measurement using height and weight to assess if a person has a healthy body weight for their height.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a calculation that divides an individual's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²). It is used as a screening tool to categorize individuals into different weight status categories, such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity.

Benefits

• Helps in assessing the risk for health problems related to overweight and obesity.
• Provides a quick way to estimate whether an individual is within a healthy weight range.
• Can be used to track weight changes over time.

Examples

• A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight.
• A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal weight.
• A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.
• A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

Additional Information

• effects: Body Mass Index is an indicator of body fatness and can influence the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions.

Related Terms

• Basal Metabolic Rate
• Caloric Intake
• Waist-to-Hip Ratio
• Obesity

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About BMI for Adults
• World Health Organization: BMI Classification