A ratio of weight to height used as a quick measure of health status.
Body Mass Index is a globally accepted measurement technique tat determines health risk based on the ration of your weight to height. Extra pounds translate into numerous health risks including heart disease and diabetes. BMI values from 19-25 are desirable.
Note: The results may not be an accurate representation at times since someone with a high muscle mass (bodybuilder or athelete) can score above the normal range and patients with a very low muscle mass (anorexia) can score normal. Therefore other values must be taken into consideration when looking at the BMI as a screening tool for health status.