BMI stands for Body Mass Index, which is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It is calculated by dividing a persons weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters, or by dividing their weight in pounds by the square of their height in inches and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703. BMI is an inexpensive and easy screening method for weight category, including underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. It is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems, but it does not diagnose the body fatness or health of an individual. BMI is a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

For adults 20 years old and older, BMI is interpreted using standard weight status categories. These categories are the same for men and women of all body types and ages:

• Below 18.5: Underweight
• 18.5 – 24.9: Healthy Weight
• 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight
• 30.0 and Above: Obesity

It is important to note that while a person with a very high BMI is very likely to have high body fat, a relatively high BMI can be the result of either high body fat or high lean body mass (muscle and bone). A trained healthcare provider should perform appropriate health assessments to evaluate an individual’s health status.