How is BMI calculated?

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a measure used to assess whether a person has a healthy body weight for a given height. The correct method for calculating BMI involves taking the weight in pounds, dividing it by height in inches, and then dividing by height again (in inches) before multiplying the result by 703 to convert it into a standard metric used in the United States.

The formula helps to estimate body fat and categorize individuals into various weight categories, such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. By incorporating the multiplier of 703, it adjusts for the differing scales of height and weight units used in the U.S., allowing for accurate comparisons.

The other methods are inaccurate for calculating BMI. Some suggest using ounces or feet, which are not standard measures in this context. Others might have weight divided by height without the necessary adjustments for unit conversion or using incorrect formulas, leading to incorrect BMI calculations.