Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It is intended to be used as a screening tool and is not diagnostic of body fatness or health, but rather an indicator that further assessment is needed. BMI was devised in the 19th century by Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian mathematician, statistician and astronomer. BMI is calculated by taking a person’s weight in kilograms and dividing it by the square of their height in meters.
BMI is a useful tool for screening for weight-related health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. It is also used to track changes in body weight over time. However, it is important to remember that BMI is only a screening tool and should not be used as the sole basis for making decisions about medical treatment.