Body mass index (BMI) is a statistical measurement for relating a person’s body weight to their height. Ultimately, it is a tool to calculate an approximation of body fatness. It is utilized to screen for weight categories which may lead to health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, and certain cancers.
BMI was conceived by Belgian mathematician and astronomer Adolphe Quetelet as a way to measure the “average man”. It was first introduced in the 19th century, and has since become a widely used tool for assessing obesity and related health risks.