Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters. A BMI of 25 or higher is considered overweight, while a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
BMI is a useful tool for screening for weight-related health problems. It is also used to track changes in body weight over time. BMI was first developed in 1972, and one of the key historical developments was the inclusion of age as a factor. Today, BMI is used by healthcare professionals all over the world to assess the health risks associated with being overweight or obese.