Understanding Body Mass Index
BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. It can help identify weight-related health patterns across populations and support an individual health assessment, but it does not directly measure body fat.
How it is assessed or used in care
Muscle mass, body composition, age, and other factors affect how useful BMI is for an individual. Clinicians should consider it alongside blood pressure, laboratory results, examination findings, and other information. It is not a diagnosis or a complete measure of health.
What to discuss with your clinician
Ask what your BMI means in the context of your own health rather than treating the number as a goal by itself. Discuss sustainable habits and any other measurements that would help assess your risks. Children and teens require age-specific interpretation.
Medical references
Sources accessed November 13, 2026.
This information is for general education, not a diagnosis or an individualized treatment plan. Discuss symptoms, test results, and treatment decisions with a qualified clinician. For a medical emergency, call 911.