Body mass index (BMI) is a measure that is used to calculate an individual’s proper weight. It is calculated by taking the weight in kilograms and dividing it by the height in meters squared (kg/m2). For example, a person who weighs 80 kg and is 1.75 meters tall has a BMI of 26.2.
BMI is a useful tool for assessing a person’s risk for certain health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It was developed in the 19th century by Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian astronomer and sociologist.