What is the purpose of the Body Mass Index (BMI)?

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is primarily used to evaluate if a person falls within a healthy weight range in relation to their height. It is a simple calculation derived from an individual's weight and height, allowing for a generalized categorization into different weight classes such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. This categorization helps healthcare professionals quickly assess potential health risks associated with being underweight or overweight, which often relate to various health conditions.

While it is related to body fatness, BMI does not provide a direct measurement of body fat percentage, nor does it assess aerobic fitness or muscular strength. These other fitness components require different methods of assessment and measurement, making BMI a distinct tool primarily focused on weight classification rather than comprehensive fitness evaluation.