The significance of body mass index (BMI) lies in its ability to assess body weight relative to height, helping to identify potential health risks associated with underweight, overweight, or obesity. While it provides a simple screening tool for categorizing individuals into weight categories, it's important to note that BMI does not account for factors such as muscle mass, fat distribution, or overall body composition. Nevertheless, BMI remains widely used in public health to monitor and address obesity trends and related health issues within populations.