Determining Body Mass Index (BMI) in pounds involves calculating a ratio that estimates body fat based on weight and height. For instance, if someone weighs 180 pounds and stands 5 feet 10 inches tall, their BMI would be around 28, indicating overweight.
BMI helps assess health risks associated with weight and obesity. It has become a standard tool in healthcare since its development in the 1970s by Belgian statistician Adolphe Quetelet.