Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It is used to screen for weight-related health problems such as obesity and underweight. BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. For example, a person who is 1.75 meters tall and weighs 70 kilograms has a BMI of 22.7.
BMI is a simple and inexpensive way to screen for weight-related health problems. It is used by doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals to help people make healthy lifestyle choices. BMI was developed in the 19th century by Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian statistician.