Question:

Define the term `Body Mass Index'. Explain the method of its calculation.

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Remember the BMI formula: \[ \boxed{\text{BMI}=\frac{\text{Weight (kg)}}{\text{Height}^2\text{ (m}^2\text{)}}} \] Units:

• Weight -- Kilograms (kg)

• Height -- Metres (m)
Always square the height before dividing.
Updated On: Jul 28, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Meaning of Body Mass Index (BMI).
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a commonly used indicator to assess whether a person's body weight is appropriate for his or her height. It is widely used by doctors and health experts to identify whether a person is underweight, normal, overweight or obese. BMI provides a simple method for evaluating nutritional and health status.

Step 2: Importance of BMI.
BMI is an important indicator of health because it helps identify the risk of diseases associated with undernutrition and overnutrition. Maintaining a healthy BMI reduces the chances of health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and obesity-related disorders.

Step 3: Formula for calculating BMI.
Body Mass Index is calculated by dividing a person's weight (in kilograms) by the square of his or her height (in metres). \[ \boxed{\text{BMI}=\frac{\text{Weight (kg)}}{\left(\text{Height (m)}\right)^2}} \]

Step 4: Example of calculation.
Suppose a person's weight is 64 kg and height is 1.60 m. \[ \text{BMI}=\frac{64}{(1.60)^2} =\frac{64}{2.56} =25 \] Hence, the person's Body Mass Index is: \[ \boxed{\text{BMI}=25} \]

Step 5: Interpretation of BMI.
A BMI within the recommended range generally indicates a healthy body weight. A very low BMI may indicate undernutrition, whereas a high BMI may indicate overweight or obesity. Therefore, BMI is widely used as a health indicator in medical practice and public health programmes.

Step 6: Final conclusion.
Thus, Body Mass Index is a simple and reliable measure used to assess whether a person's weight is appropriate for his or her height. \[ \boxed{\text{BMI}=\frac{\text{Weight (kg)}}{\text{Height}^2\text{ (m}^2\text{)}}} \] Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indicator used to assess whether a person's weight is appropriate for his or her height. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in metres.
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