BMI (Body Mass Index)
A weight-to-height ratio used as a population screening tool — weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.
Definition
BMI is a fast, cheap screening metric but cannot distinguish muscle from fat. A muscular athlete and a sedentary person of identical height and weight have the same BMI but different health profiles. For an individual, body fat percentage is a more meaningful number.
Formula
Metric: BMI = weight_kg / height_m². Imperial: BMI = (weight_lb × 703) / height_in².
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Related body terms
One of 40 glossary terms. Browse the full glossary →