BMI

What Does BMI Mean?

BMI means "Body Mass Index."

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It is calculated by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by the square of your height (in meters).

Check your BMI with this BMI calculator provided by Mathematics Monster: If your BMI is less than 18.5, it falls within the underweight range. If your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9, it is within the normal range. If your BMI is 25.0 to 29.9, it is within the overweight range. A BMI of 30.0 and above is considered obese.

BMI screens for weight categories that may lead to health problems. On its own, BMI doesn't diagnose the body fatness or health of an individual. However, when lifestyle factors are taken into consideration it may give a good indication of potential health problems. For example, a health-conscious, rugby player with a lot of muscle mass probably doesn't need to worry about their high BMI score. However, a well-upholstered, salad dodging, deep-fried couch potato probably does have to worry (despite the fact they may have been blessed with high muscle mass).

Here are examples of BMI being used in conversations:

• Toni: According to the BMI scale, you are too fat.
• Jo: No, that's not true. According to the BMI scale, I'm too short.

• Sam: What did the doctor say?
• Ali: According to his BMI chart, I need to lose 20 cable channels.

Example of BMI Used in a Text