1. About.com
  2. Health
  3. Type 2 Diabetes

Body Mass Index - BMI

From , former About.com Guide

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

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved. 

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.