Body Mass Index
A weight-for-height calculation, expressed in kilograms per square meter, commonly used to categorize body weight in adults.
The clinical context of Body Mass Index lies mainly in clinical medicine; understanding it requires relating the term to symptoms, anatomy, physiology and the patient's medical history.
How body mass index presents is not identical in every patient: age, underlying disease, duration, severity and associated clinical findings can substantially change its appearance.
Evaluation of body mass index starts with the relevant history and examination, followed when appropriate by laboratory studies, imaging, pathology, microbiology, functional testing or another targeted investigation.
Care for body mass index is individualized, balancing symptom control, treatment of the underlying process, prevention of complications and preservation of normal function.
The outlook associated with body mass index varies by cause and timing of treatment, making accurate diagnosis and appropriate follow-up more useful than interpreting the term in isolation.
How body mass index presents is not identical in every patient: age, underlying disease, duration, severity and associated clinical findings can substantially change its appearance.
Evaluation of body mass index starts with the relevant history and examination, followed when appropriate by laboratory studies, imaging, pathology, microbiology, functional testing or another targeted investigation.
Care for body mass index is individualized, balancing symptom control, treatment of the underlying process, prevention of complications and preservation of normal function.
The outlook associated with body mass index varies by cause and timing of treatment, making accurate diagnosis and appropriate follow-up more useful than interpreting the term in isolation.
This information is for general awareness only and is not medical advice. Consult a doctor for any health concern.