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, overweight, and underweight. BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters (kg/m2).
BMI is a useful tool for assessing body weight status. It is easy to calculate and inexpensive to measure. BMI has been shown to be a good predictor of body fatness and is associated with an increased risk of obesity-related health problems. BMI was first developed in the early 19th century by the Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet.