Body mass index

What does "Body mass index" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.

Explanation

Body mass index, often referred to as BMI, is a value derived from a person's weight and height. It's a tool that doctors use to assess if a person has a healthy body weight for a given height. It is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. A high BMI can be an indicator of high body fatness, while a low BMI can be an indicator of being underweight.

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