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
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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 See all Example Sentences for body mass index 

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of body mass index was in 1983

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

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