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 in children and adults. For babies, BMI is calculated using a different formula than for adults.
BMI is a valuable tool for healthcare providers because it can help them identify babies who are at risk for weight-related health problems, such as obesity. Obesity can lead to a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
The concept of BMI was first developed in the 19th century by Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian mathematician and astronomer. Quetelet’s original formula for BMI was based on the average height and weight of adult men. However, over time, different BMI formulas have been developed for different populations, including children and babies.