Body mass index (BMI), a measure of body fat based on height and weight, can be calculated manually using a simple formula. For example, an individual weighing 180 lbs and standing 5 feet 9 inches tall would have a BMI of 27.3, indicating that they are in the overweight category.
Determining BMI is essential for assessing health risks associated with obesity and weight-related diseases. It aids in tailored fitness and nutrition plans and serves as an indicator for early intervention. The concept of BMI originated in the 1830s through the work of Adolphe Quetelet, who established a link between weight and height in relation to overall health.