Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment

Body Mass Index

An indicator of body density as determined by the relationship of BODY WEIGHT to BODY HEIGHT. BMI=weight (kg)/height squared (m2). BMI correlates with body fat (ADIPOSE TISSUE). Their relationship varies with age and gender. For adults, BMI falls into these categories: below 18.5 (underweight); 18.5-24.9 (normal); 25.0-29.9 (overweight); 30.0 and above (obese). (National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

An indicator of body density as determined by the relationship of BODY WEIGHT to BODY HEIGHT. BMI=weight (kg)/height squared (m2). BMI correlates with body fat (ADIPOSE TISSUE). Their relationship varies with age and gender. For adults, BMI falls into these categories: below 18.5 (underweight); 18.5-24.9 (normal); 25.0-29.9 (overweight); 30.0 and above (obese). (National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

5 entry terms
  • Quetelet Index
  • Quetelet's Index
  • Index, Body Mass
  • Index, Quetelet
  • Quetelets Index

MeSH Record

History Note

90

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Body Weight (1966-1989)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. E01w.370.600w.115.100.125w
  2. E05.041w.124.125w
  3. G07.100.100.125w
  4. N06.850w.505.200.100w.175w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Body Mass Index. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D015992. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D015992
  2. Body Mass Index. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_mass_index
  3. Body Mass Index. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131191