Body mass index (BMI) is a measure that relates body mass to height and is used to assess weight status and health risks. It is calculated by dividing the body’s mass in kilograms by the square of its height in meters. For instance, if a person weighs 70 kg and is 1.75 meters tall, their BMI would be 70/ 1.75^2 = 22.86 kg/m2.
BMI is an important tool for health professionals to identify individuals at risk for weight-related health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. It can also help individuals track their weight status and make lifestyle changes to improve their health. The concept of BMI was first developed in the 19th century by Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian mathematician and astronomer.