Physiology, Body Mass Index

Abstract

Body mass index (BMI) is a quotient that has been in use since the mid-19th century. It is used to identify adults and adolescents that have an abnormal weight in proportion to their height. It is the calculation of weight divided by height, and it is universally expressed in kg/m2.It is important for a clinician to understand BMI due to the extensive research that is being done correlating BMI to various disease pathophysiology, and because of its use as stratification measure in many clinical treatment guidelines.

Topics & Concepts