Body Mass Index

\[BMI=\frac{W}{H^2}\]

Variables

BMIbody mass index (kg/m²)

Wbody weight (kg)

Hheight (m)

Description

What is this formula?

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple anthropometric index that relates body weight to height. It is widely used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity in adults.

When to use it

Use this formula when screening for weight-related health risks, evaluating nutritional status, or conducting epidemiological and clinical assessments.

Example

Data:

W = 80 kg

H = 1.75 m

Formula:

BMI = W / H²

Substitution:

BMI = 80 / 1.75²

BMI = 80 / 3.0625

Result:

BMI = 26.1 kg/m²

This value falls within the overweight category according to standard adult classifications.

Applications

- Nutritional assessment

- Preventive medicine

- Public health studies

- Obesity screening

- Clinical evaluation

Note

BMI is a screening tool rather than a direct measure of body fat. It does not distinguish between muscle mass, fat mass, bone density, or body composition. Alternative measures such as waist circumference, body fat percentage, or advanced body composition analysis may provide additional clinical information.