A number that is derived by using height and weight measurements, that gives a general indication of whether or not weight falls within a healthy range. It is the individual's body weight in kilograms, divided by the square of their height in meters. In sedentary (physically inactive) individuals with an average body composition the value settings are as follows:
- Lower than 15 suggest the individual has an eating disorder
- 15 - 18.4 suggests the person is underweight
- 18.5 - 25 is suggested to be optimal weight
- 25.1 - 30 suggests the person is overweight
- 30.1 - 40 suggests the person is obese
- 40.1 and above suggests the person is morbidly obese
