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body mass index
noun
: a measure of body fat that is the ratio of the weight of the body in kilograms to the square of its height in meters
Examples of body mass index in a Sentence
A person with a body mass index of more than 30 is considered to be obese.
Recent Examples on the Web
The analysis found 11 of the 12 states required some sort of utilization control such as prior authorization and/or a minimum body mass index requirement.
—Tina Reed, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
Others may require a threshold for body mass index, or BMI, of at least 30, depending on how the plan is set up, Friedman said.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2024
Some have higher thresholds for body mass index than the Food and Drug Administration’s definition of at least 30 for adults or mandate that workers participate in weight management programs.
—Tami Luhby, CNN, 9 Oct. 2024
Defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, obesity increases your risk of CKD and your risk of CKD complications, such as anemia, gout, and bone disease.10
Compared to people of healthy weight, people with a BMI between 30 and 34.9 are at a threefold higher risk of kidney disease.
—Kumkum S. Patel, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1983, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near body mass index
Cite this Entry
“Body mass index.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/body%20mass%20index. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
body mass index
noun
: a measure of body fat that is the ratio of the weight of the body in kilograms to the square of its height in meters
Medical Definition
body mass index
noun
: a measure of body fat that is the ratio of the weight of the body in kilograms to the square of its height in meters
a body mass index in adults of 25 to 29.9 is considered an indication of overweight, and 30 or more an indication of obesity
—abbreviation BMI
called also Quetelet index
More from Merriam-Webster on body mass index
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about body mass index
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