How is body mass index (BMI) calculated?

Body mass index (BMI) is calculated by using a person's height and weight, which are fundamental measurements used to estimate body composition. The formula for calculating BMI is weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m))^2). This method provides a numerical value that helps categorize individuals into different weight classifications, such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese, which can be useful for assessing potential health risks related to body weight.

Percent body fat and height, heart rate and blood pressure, and blood pressure and weights do not accurately represent the concept behind BMI. While body fat percentage provides valuable insight into body composition, it is not used in the basic calculation of BMI. Similarly, heart rate and blood pressure relate to cardiovascular health but are not factors in calculating BMI. Thus, using height and weight is the established method for determining BMI.