BMI (Body Mass Index)

A weight-for-height calculation used to screen for under- or overweight.

BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)². It's a population-level screening tool, not a body-fat measurement. A BMI of 25-29.9 is overweight; 30+ is obesity. BMI can over- or underestimate health risk in athletes, older adults, and certain ethnic groups.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ikechukwu Ogbu, MD
MD · Board-Certified, Internal Medicine · Last reviewed June 2026

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