Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It is calculated by dividing a persons weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. BMI is a screening tool that can be used to assess whether a person is underweight, healthy, overweight, or obese. The following are the BMI weight ranges for adults:
- Below 18.5: Underweight
- 18.5 to 24.9: Healthy weight
- 25.0 to 29.9: Overweight
- 30.0 or higher: Obese
It is important to note that BMI is not a diagnostic tool for disease or illness, and it does not assess an individuals body composition or overall health. It is best used as a screening tool alongside other tests and assessments to determine potential health risks. Additionally, BMI may not be a suitable measure for some people, including children and young people under 18, pregnant women, and athletes.