What does BMI stand for, and what does it indicate?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a scale used to categorize individuals based on their body weight relative to their height. It is calculated by taking a person's weight in kilograms and dividing it by the square of their height in meters. The resulting number provides insight into whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, based on standardized BMI categories. This makes it a useful tool for assessing weight-related health risks and trends in populations.

The option indicating that BMI provides a height-weight ratio accurately reflects its purpose and methodology. While BMI does not assess dietary habits, metabolic speed, or muscle proportions directly, it serves as an important indicator for evaluating potential health issues associated with body weight. Understanding BMI can help fitness and health professionals guide clients in achieving healthier body compositions.