Body mass index (BMI) is a statistical measure that uses weight and height to determine weight status in adults. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. A BMI of 18.5-24.9 is considered healthy, while a BMI of 25.0-29.9 is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30.0 or higher is considered obese.
BMI is a commonly used tool for screening for weight-related health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. It is also used to track weight loss and weight gain. The concept of BMI was first developed in the 1830s by Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian mathematician and astronomer.