BMI: Body Mass Index
General Terms
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a numerical value derived from an individual's weight and height. It is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. The formula is as follows:
BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m)²
Weight: Measured in kilograms (kg)
Height: Measured in meters (m)
If using inches and pounds, the formula is:
BMI = Weight (lb) / [Height (in)]² x 703 Weight: Measured in pounds (lb)
Height: Measured in inches (in)
BMI is commonly used as a screening tool to categorize individuals into various weight categories, including underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. These categories are generally defined as follows:
Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
Overweight: BMI between 25.0 and 29.9
Obesity: BMI of 30.0 and above
While BMI can provide a quick assessment of body composition, it does not directly measure body fat and may not accurately reflect the health status of all individuals, particularly those with high muscle mass, older adults, and certain ethnic groups. Therefore, it is often recommended to use BMI in conjunction with other measures and assessments to evaluate overall health.