Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult women. It is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.
BMI is relevant because it is a simple and inexpensive way to assess weight status. It can help to identify people who are at risk for obesity-related health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. BMI was first developed in the 19th century by Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian mathematician and astronomer.