The History of BMI (Body Mass Index)

The Body Mass Index, commonly referred to as BMI, serves as a guideline for evaluating an individual's body weight in relation to their height. With the Verival BMI calculator , you can calculate your BMI.

In the following article, you will learn more about the history of BMI and how you can have your BMI calculated .

How was BMI developed?

The Belgian astronomer, mathematician, and statistics expert Adolphe Quetelet, who was born in Ghent in 1796, is considered the inventor of the BMI formula. Among other accomplishments, Quetelet was responsible for the first census in Belgium in 1846. He measured the chest circumference of 6,000 Scottish soldiers and determined a normal distribution.

His fascination with social repetitions and averages often drew criticism during his lifetime, especially for the perceived lack of interpretations and explanations of his mathematical and statistical theses.

His Quetelet Index was intended to determine the so-called "average man" based on body metrics. However, even at that time, it was considered only a rough guideline, as individuals with a more robust physique were often deemed healthy. After his death, the National Socialist Ignaz Kaup adopted and further developed the Kaup Index in accordance with Quetelet's calculation formula.

How can I calculate my BMI?

The Body Mass Index can be calculated based on a person's height and weight. ^​1​ To calculate BMI, divide the body weight (in kilograms) by the height in meters squared (with decimal points). This value indicates your classification on the BMI table.

For example, with a height of 1.70m, you would calculate 1.70 x 1.70, giving a result of 2.89. If your weight is 60 kg, you would then calculate 60 divided by 2.89, which would yield a result of 20.76, placing you in the normal weight category. A BMI result ranging from 18.5 to 24.9 is classified as normal weight.

The other classifications are categorized as follows:

The figures on the right provide your body mass index (BMI) along with its interpretation in the respective weight class.

Who invented the Body Mass Index?

Adolphe Quetelet and Ignaz Kaup developed the Quetelet-Kaup Index in the 19th century to provide a framework for calculating the physical average. This was developed similarly to the calculation of IQ for intelligence.

At that time, however, their primary motivation was to develop a mathematical formula to create a universally applicable calculation of the standard. The percentage ratio of body fat to muscle was relatively overlooked, despite the fact that muscle weighs more than fat. The notion that this value might differ between women (BMI calculator for women ) and men was ignored until the 20th century, when the focus shifted dramatically towards body image.

The physiologist Ancel Keys discovered Quetelet's mathematical formula in 1972, naming it the Body Mass Index (BMI), a term that persists today, and drew public attention to it. Ancel Keys set out to deliver the calculation. However, he also cautioned that the BMI value might not be appropriate for athletes. Particularly in strength and endurance athletes, the BMI can mistakenly indicate overweight or underweight, despite the individuals being in excellent health.

Nevertheless, the concept of Body Mass Index quickly gained traction, neglecting important considerations such as age and body condition when applying the BMI formula.

Why is BMI controversial and subject to criticism?

As previously mentioned, the BMI value has often been misapplied as a universal standard, particularly for individuals engaged in strenuous physical activity. Consequently, the BMI table may frequently classify individuals as severely overweight or underweight inaccurately.

Children and adolescents were also assessed using the standard BMI formula. However, the relationship between age, sex, and the physique of children and adolescents does not always allow for accurate categorization as underweight, normal weight, or overweight according to Ancel Keys' standards.

Often, individuals calculate their own BMI, which can lead to incorrect conclusions regarding severe obesity. It is crucial for children and adolescents to undergo a thorough individual assessment to prevent any ensuing eating disorders.

Additionally, the BMI calculation does not take body type into consideration. For example, for individuals with broad shoulders, the calculation according to Quetelet may not yield accurate results since only height is factored into the computation.

The criticisms of BMI are well-founded due to the omission of significant factors in the calculations.

Conclusion: How meaningful is the Body Mass Index?

The Body Mass Index is still utilized by the World Health Organization as a guideline. It serves, for example, in classifying countries facing poverty or issues of undernourishment or overconsumption. Even today, health insurance companies and insurers often refer to BMI to determine the risk category of the individual seeking insurance. Calculating the BMI remains relevant.

However, in terms of health and personal body perception, the BMI is often seen as less significant. As a very rough guideline, it can be calculated for fun, but concerning one's individual health, it is primarily just a number in a statistic designed by a social statistician to define social norms.

Factors such as a higher muscle percentage, broader shoulders, greater bone density, and thicker joint diameters, among others, complicate the accurate assessment of a person's physical and health conditions based on the easily calculated BMI.

Strength athletes, active individuals, adolescents, and people with specific pre-existing conditions or unique physiques cannot solely rely on the BMI table .

Only thorough measurements conducted by a specialist or individual instinct can provide accurate insights into personal health. The BMI value should serve merely as a guideline and perhaps inspire a more conscious and healthy way of living. You can use the BMI calculator to calculate your BMI.