Calculating BMI (Body Mass Index) in pounds and feet is a common health assessment used to gauge weight status. It involves a simple formula that requires body weight in pounds and height in feet. For instance, a person who weighs 175 pounds and stands 5’9″ (5.75 feet) would have a BMI of 28.5.
BMI is relevant for both individuals and public health, as it helps categorize weight status and potential health risks associated with underweight, overweight, or obesity. Historically, BMI was developed in the 1830s by a Belgian statistician, Adolphe Quetelet, initially as a way to compare the body mass of different populations.