What BMI tells you (and what it doesn't)
Body Mass Index is a quick height-to-weight ratio used worldwide as a first-pass screen for weight-related health risk. It's popular because it needs only two numbers — but that simplicity is also its weakness, so read the result as a starting point rather than a judgment.
Worked example
At 172 cm and 70 kg: BMI = 70 ÷ (1.72 × 1.72) ≈ 23.7, which falls in the "normal" range. The same person at 80 kg would be at 27.0 — "overweight" on paper, though whether that matters depends on muscle, waist size, and overall health.
Beyond the number
Health is driven far more by habits than by any single index: regular activity, sleep, a balanced diet, and not smoking move the needle most. If you're working toward a weight goal, aim for gradual, sustainable changes.