Determining body mass index (BMI) is a fundamental metric for assessing health and wellness, calculated using an individual’s height and weight. For instance, a person weighing 160 lbs. and standing 5’8″ would have a BMI of 25.
Understanding BMI offers insights into weight status, potential health risks, and can inform personalized health recommendations. Its origins trace back to the 19th century, with mathematician Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet’s research on body proportions and health.