Calculating body mass index (BMI) is a crucial measure for assessing weight status in adults. BMI is a simple calculation that uses height and weight to determine if a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
Understanding BMI is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. The concept of BMI was first introduced in the 19th century by Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian mathematician and astronomer.