Body Mass Index is a numerical value calculated from height and weight used as a screening tool to identify whether a person falls into an underweight, healthy, overweight, or obese category.
Underweight: below 18.5 | Normal weight: 18.5–24.9 | Overweight: 25.0–29.9 | Obese: 30.0 and above. These ranges apply to adults aged 20 and older.
BMI does not account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution. Athletes with high muscle mass may show a high BMI without being obese. Always use BMI alongside other health indicators.
Health risks associated with excess body fat may begin at lower BMI values for South Asian and East Asian populations. Many health organizations recommend using BMI alongside other measurements for accuracy.