Body mass index (BMI) is calculated using a person's height and weight. Because the calculation requires only height and weight, it is an inexpensive and easy-to-use method of screening for weight categories that may lead to health problems. There is no specific BMI for men or women, nor are there specific charts based on ethnicity, race, or age.
Keep in mind that the body mass index is just a screening tool; it is not used to diagnose any medical conditions, but instead is simply used as a measure to assess a person's weight and his or her risk for developing certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and fatty liver disease.
(Click BMI to learn more about the body mass index, including the different tools used to calculate it, how the results are interpreted, and other ways to measure a person's body fat.)
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