body mass index: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 12, 2026

News •

BMI alternative for identifying obesity ‘could prevent misdiagnosis in millions’ • Nov. 11, 2026, 11:00 AM ET (The Guardian)

Barbara Cane Retires From BMI After 50 Years • Oct. 23, 2026, 2:56 PM ET (Billboard)

Facts

Also Known As	BMI

Photos

body mass index for adults

See All Images →

Topics

How Is BMI Calculated?obesity Over half of Americans are overweight or obese underweight overweight human body nutrition mental health fatigue Human microbiome physical activity quality of life stress height somatotype human nervous system

Muscles of facial expression, human anatomy, (Netter replacement project - SSC). Human face, human head.

Characteristics of the Human Body