What exactly is a body mass index?

The body mass index (BMI) is a measure that estimates body fat based on the relationship between height and weight. It is used to assess the risk of weight-related health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. The result is a number that falls into one of four categories:

- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5

- Normal weight: BMI of 18.5 to 24.9

- Overweight: BMI of 25 to 29.9

- Obese: BMI of 30 or more

BMI is a simple and easy-to-use tool, but it is not perfect. It can be misleading for people who are very muscular, pregnant, or have certain medical conditions. For example, a person who is very muscular may have a high BMI even if they are not overweight or obese.

It is important to note that BMI is not a measure of health. It is simply a way to assess the risk of weight-related health problems. If you have a high BMI, it is important to talk to your doctor about your overall health and lifestyle.