What does BMI stand for and how is it calculated?

BMI stands for Body Mass Index, and it is a measure used to assess body weight in relation to height. The calculation of BMI involves taking a person's weight in kilograms and dividing it by their height in meters squared (kg/m²). This formula provides a numeric value that indicates whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, based on established ranges.

Understanding the significance of BMI is crucial, as it is often used as a screening tool to identify potential weight-related health issues in adults. It does not directly measure body fat but provides a useful estimate for a general assessment of body composition and weight categories used by health professionals.

Other choices do not accurately reflect the definition or calculation of BMI. For instance, terms like "Body Muscle Index" or "Body Metabolism Index" do not exist within health-related standards for body measurement. Additionally, options that suggest calculations based on different metrics, such as age, activity level, or body fat percentage, diverge from the straightforward height and weight ratio used in the BMI formula.