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Definition of BMI

By Brandon Peters, M.D., About.com

Created: June 01, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition:

A standardized estimate of an individual’s relative body fat calculated from his or her height and weight. The formula for calculating BMI is weight in kilograms (kg) divided by height in meters (m) squared.

According to the National Institutes of Health, your BMI can help classify your weight as follows:

  • Underweight = <18.5
  • Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
  • Overweight = 25-29.9
  • Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

Also Known As: Body Mass Index
Examples: My BMI suggests that I am overweight.
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