Body mass index (BMI) is a statistical measure and diagnostic tool used to categorise a person’s weight based on their height, as a simple indicator of nutritional status and associated risks. BMI was initially invented by Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian mathematician, astronomer, statistician, and sociologist, in the 19th century.
BMI is a key component of many health assessments and is highly effective in assessing an adult’s obesity and cardiovascular risks. It has been shown to be strongly correlated with direct measures of body fat. It is an essential measurement in the medical field that is used to determine a patient’s risk of developing certain diseases, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.