Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. Body mass index is defined as the individual's body weight divided by the square of his or her height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. A BMI lower than 18.5 suggests the person is underweight while a number above 25 may indicate the person is overweight. Nearly 40 per cent of our adult population has a Body Mass Index of less than 18.5 which implies chronic energy deficiency.