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MedTerms Medical Dictionary |
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Body mass index (BMI): A key index for relating body weight to height. The BMI is a person's weight in kilograms (kg) divided by their height in meters (m) squared. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) now defines normal weight, overweight, and obesity according to the BMI rather than the traditional height/weight charts. Since the BMI describes the body weight relative to height, it correlates strongly (in adults) with the total body fat content. Overweight is a BMI of 27.3 % or more for women and 27.8 % or more for men, according to the NIH. Obesity is a BMI of 30 and above, according to the NIH. (A BMI of 30 is about 30 pounds overweight.) Some very muscular people may have a high BMI without undue health risks. |
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Inc. All rights reserved. Information in the MedTerms Medical Dictionary is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should carefully read all product packaging. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. |
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