What does "BMI" stand for, and what does it measure?

BMI stands for Body Mass Index, and it is a widely used measurement that evaluates body fat based on an individual's height and weight. The formula for calculating BMI is weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. This calculation provides a numerical value that can help classify individuals into various categories such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity.

Understanding BMI is important because it serves as a simple screening tool to assess whether a person is within a healthy weight range. While it does not directly measure body fat percentage or account for factors such as muscle mass versus fat mass, it provides a useful estimate that can point to potential health risks associated with being overweight or underweight. Thus, Body Mass Index is an important concept in health and fitness evaluations, aiding trainers in assessing their clients' health and designing appropriate fitness programs.