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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

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