Referred to as the body mass index or BMI, the BMI formula is a statistical tool designed to gauge an individual’s weight relative to their height. BMI is a common metric for screening potential weight problems in both children and adults as low or abnormally high weight can indicate health risks. Introduced in the mid-1800s by Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian astronomer, mathematician, statistician, and sociologist, BMI’s origins are rooted in astronomy, but have since evolved into a measure of human health and body composition.
The BMI calculation is straightforward, with only a person’s weight and height required. Once calculated, it can serve as an initial screening tool for malnutrition, underweight, overweight, and obesity. BMI’s simplicity and the minimal amount of data it requires make it a widely accessible tool for doctors and other healthcare professionals, informing them of a patient’s risk factors and can help with appropriate treatment planning.