What is Body Mass Index (BMI) used for?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a valuable tool used to assess whether a person has a healthy body weight in relation to their height. It provides a numerical value derived from an individual's weight and height, which can help categorize them into different weight ranges such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. This classification is significant because it allows for easy identification of potential health risks associated with being outside of the healthy weight range, such as certain chronic diseases.

While there are various health assessments and measures that can provide insights into physical fitness or dietary needs, BMI specifically centers around the relationship between body weight and height. It does not directly prescribe exercise programs, determine muscle mass, or identify specific dietary needs, which are more complex and individualized assessments that require additional data and considerations beyond just height and weight.