To calculate body mass index (BMI), a measure of body fat based on height and weight, requires a simple formula. For instance, a person who is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds has a BMI of 24.2, which falls within the normal weight range.
BMI is a widely used metric for assessing obesity and weight-related health risks. It can help individuals understand their overall health and fitness level. The concept of BMI originated in the 19th century when Belgian statistician Adolphe Quetelet developed a formula to classify individuals based on their height and weight.