Body Mass Index

Definition

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value calculated from a person's height and weight that is used to categorize underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity in adults.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a statistical measure derived from a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²). It is used as a simple method to assess how much an individual's body weight departs from what is normal or desirable for a person of a given height.

Benefits

• Provides a simple and quick screening tool to assess body weight status.
• Helps identify individuals at risk of weight-related health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
• Encourages awareness of potential health risks associated with being underweight, overweight, or obese.

Examples

• A BMI of 18.5-24.9 is usually considered healthy.
• A BMI over 30 is classified as obese.
• A BMI below 18.5 is categorized as underweight.

Additional Information

• effects: This measure does not directly assess body fat or distribution, and may not accurately reflect health status for individuals with high muscle mass, like athletes.

Related Terms

• Basal Metabolic Rate
• Body Composition
• Waist-to-Hip Ratio
• Obesity

References

• Understanding BMI: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Body Mass Index: A Quick and Easy Measurement