Understanding BMI: What the Numbers Mean

Body Mass Index (BMI) has been a standard medical screening tool for decades. It is a simple calculation based on height and weight that categorizes individuals into weight classes: underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese.

The Formula

The metric formula is weight (kg) / [height (m)]². While simple, it provides a general snapshot of a population's health.

Limitations of BMI

It is important to note that BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat. An athlete with high muscle mass might be classified as "overweight" despite having very low body fat. Therefore, BMI should be one meaningful data point among many, alongside waist circumference and blood pressure.

Why it Matters

Despite limitations, a high BMI is often correlated with increased risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Knowing your number is the first step toward managing these risks.