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Body Mass Index - BMI

By Debra Manzella, R.N., About.com

Created: July 31, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on a formula that calculates the ratio of height and weight. Your BMI is an indicator of your appropriate weight for your height. It provides a more reliable indicator of body fat than just weight alone.
Also Known As: BMI
Examples: Doctors use the BMI index to calculate a person's body fat

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