Calculating body mass index (BMI) involves the assessment of body fat based on an individual’s weight and height. It serves as a useful tool for healthcare professionals to categorize weight status, determine obesity risk, and monitor weight management progress.
BMI is an important health metric because it provides insight into an individual’s overall health and risk factors. For instance, high BMI is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Researchers first developed BMI in the 19th century as a screening tool to assess nutritional status. Over time, it gained widespread use in clinical and epidemiological settings.