Body mass index

Rare card · No. 20962

Body mass index (BMI) is a value derived from the mass (weight) and height of a person. BMI is calculated as the body mass, in kilograms (kg), divided by the square of the body height, in square metres (m2). Although this quotient has units of kilograms per square metre, BMI is frequently reported with these units omitted (despite not being a dimensionless quantity). The BMI is a convenient rule of thumb used to broadly categorize a person based on tissue mass (muscle, fat, and bone) and height. Major adult BMI classifications are: underweight (under 18.5), normal weight (18.5 to 24.9), overweight (25 to 29.9), and obese (30 or more). When used to predict an individual's health, rather than as a statistical measurement for groups, the BMI has limitations that can make it less useful than some of the alternatives, especially when applied to individuals with abdominal obesity, short stature, or high muscle mass. BMI values under 20 and over 25 have been associated with higher all-cause mortality...

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