1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Type 2 Diabetes

Body Mass Index - BMI

By Debra Manzella, R.N., About.com

Updated July 31, 2006

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

Definition: Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on a formula that calculates the ratio of height and weight. Your BMI is an indicator of your appropriate weight for your height. It provides a more reliable indicator of body fat than just weight alone.
Also Known As: BMI
Examples:
Doctors use the BMI index to calculate a person's body fat
Explore Type 2 Diabetes
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Type 2 Diabetes
  4. Diabetes 101
  5. Glossary of Terms
  6. Body Mass Index - BMI>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.