Body mass index (BMI) is calculated from weight in kilograms and height in centimeters to provide an index of body fatness. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. It is also used to track weight over time and identify individuals who are overweight and obese.
The formula was published in 1832 by Belgian astronomer and mathematician Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet. BMI is used to assess health risks associated with being overweight or obese. These risks include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.