Calculating BMI (Body Mass Index) is a critical assessment of an individual’s body weight in relation to their height, expressed in kilograms per square meter (kg/m2). It is a simple yet effective tool to determine if a person is underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese. For instance, an individual weighing 70 kg with a height of 1.75 meters would have a BMI of 22.9, which falls within the healthy weight range.
BMI has significant relevance in healthcare as it helps in diagnosing and monitoring weight-related conditions. It can aid in assessing malnutrition, obesity, and eating disorders. Historically, the concept of BMI was developed by Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian statistician, in the mid-19th century.