body mass index

noun

: a measure of body fat that is the ratio of the weight of the body in kilograms to the square of its height in meters

Examples of body mass index in a Sentence

A person with a body mass index of more than 30 is considered to be obese.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Make sure your thyroid levels are well-maintained. Maintain a healthy weight of less than 25 body mass index. Exercise 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise to 75 minutes of intense exercise. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 People with type 2 diabetes with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 are candidates for bariatric surgery. Kathleen Daly, Verywell Health, 30 June 2025 Suitable candidates may include those with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or individuals with a BMI of 35 or more who also have associated health conditions. Advertorial, Oc Register, 25 June 2025 Individuals with obesity, typically defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for body mass index

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of body mass index was in 1983

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Body mass index.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/body%20mass%20index. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

body mass index

noun
: a measure of body fat that is the ratio of the weight of the body in kilograms to the square of its height in meters

Medical Definition

body mass index

noun
: a measure of body fat that is the ratio of the weight of the body in kilograms to the square of its height in meters
a body mass index in adults of 25 to 29.9 is considered an indication of overweight, and 30 or more an indication of obesity
abbreviation BMI

called also Quetelet index

More from Merriam-Webster on body mass index

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