What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a formula used to evaluate if a person has a healthy weight in relation to their height. It is widely used by doctors and healthcare professionals as a basic indicator of a person’s overall health, helping to identify potential risks for weight-related diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and heart problems. BMI does not take into account factors like body composition (amount of muscle vs fat), but provides a general view of an individual’s nutritional status.

How is BMI calculated?

The formula for calculating BMI is simple: BMI = weight (kg) / height² (m). That is, a person's weight in kilograms is divided by their height squared in meters. The result of this calculation determines the BMI, which can then be categorized according to specific ranges. Each BMI range helps classify the individual into different categories, such as underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obesity, allowing healthcare professionals to provide more personalized recommendations.