Definition

Body Mass Index—a crude mathematical ratio of weight to height that doctors use despite knowing it can't distinguish between muscle and fat. The medical equivalent of judging a book by its cover, but we do it anyway because insurance companies love simple numbers.

Example Usage

According to BMI, The Rock is obese, which tells you everything you need to know about this metric's limitations.

Origin

Developed by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet in 1832, adopted by WHO in 1980s

Fun Fact

BMI was never intended for individual health assessment—Quetelet created it to study populations, not to shame individuals at doctor's offices.

Source: Common clinical measurement terminology

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