A body mass index (BMI) is a value derived from the mass and height of an individual. The index is used to categorize the individual as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, based on a range of values. Calculating one’s BMI can provide insight into their overall health and potential health risks associated with their weight, making it a valuable tool in the medical field.
The BMI formula was first developed in the 19th century by Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian mathematician, astronomer, and statistician. Quetelet’s formula has since been revised and refined over time, but the basic principle remains the same: BMI is calculated by dividing an individual’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m2).