How is BMI calculated?

The calculation of Body Mass Index (BMI) is traditionally performed using the formula that involves weight in kilograms and height in meters. The correct formula is to divide weight by height squared, which can be expressed as weight (kg) / (height (m))^2.

If the weight is measured in pounds and the height in inches, as would be the case in some situations, then the formula used is:

BMI = (weight in pounds × 703)/(height in inches)^2.

This means that option B is referencing a version of the BMI calculation appropriate for those measurements, incorporating the conversion factor of 700. The key principle behind BMI is that it provides a numerical value that correlates with body fat and can help assess whether an individual has a healthy body weight for their height.

The other choices do not correctly describe how to compute BMI: weight divided by height squared appropriately describes the basic concept, but without the necessary conversion factor. Simply dividing height by weight or adding both does not yield any meaningful indication of body weight in relation to health.

Understanding the BMI calculation is fundamental in evaluating various health risks associated with body weight and can be essential in clinical assessments in medicine.