BUSINESS SPEAK · BMI
BMI: Body mass index
Weight compared with height, as one screening number.
What it means
BMI is weight in kg ÷ (height in metres)². In pounds and inches: 703 × weight ÷ height². Adult ranges: under 18.5 underweight, 18.5–24.9 healthy, 25–29.9 overweight, 30+ obese.
Where you’ll meet it
- It is a quick screening tool, not a diagnosis; muscle, age and body build all affect it.
- Worked backwards, it gives a healthy weight range for your height.
Worked example
Scenario: Someone weighs 70 kg and is 1.75 m tall.
- Height squared: 1.75 × 1.75 = 3.0625
- BMI: 70 ÷ 3.0625 ≈ 22.9
Answer: BMI is about 22.9, in the healthy range.