Determining body mass index (BMI) is a crucial metric for assessing overall health and wellness. BMI, calculated using weight and height measurements, provides valuable insights into an individual’s body composition.
BMI is particularly relevant in the United States, where obesity rates continue to rise. Understanding BMI helps individuals assess their risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The concept of BMI originated in the 1800s by Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian mathematician and statistician, and was later popularized in the 1970s.