Question
Download Solution PDFBMI is calculated by using the formula:
This question was previously asked in
KGMU Nursing Officer 2023 Memory-Based Previous Year Paper
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 1 : Weight in kilogram / (height in meter)²
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Correct Answer: Weight in kilogram / (height in meter)²
Rationale:
- BMI (Body Mass Index) is a widely used measure to assess whether a person has a healthy weight in relation to their height. It is calculated using the formula Weight in kilograms / (Height in meters)². This formula provides a numerical value that categorizes individuals into different weight categories such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity.
- The correct formula ensures that height is squared, which adjusts for the two-dimensional nature of the human body (height and width). This adjustment is crucial for accurate assessment of body weight relative to height.
- BMI is a simple and non-invasive method used by healthcare professionals globally to identify potential health risks related to underweight or overweight conditions. While it does not directly measure body fat, it serves as a proxy indicator for potential health concerns.
Explanation of Other Options:
Weight in kilogram / (height in cm)²
- Rationale: This formula is incorrect because height is measured in meters, not centimeters, in the BMI calculation. Using centimeters would result in an inaccurate and significantly higher BMI value.
- For example, converting height from meters to centimeters (1 meter = 100 cm) without adjusting the formula would cause the squared value of height to be excessively large, leading to incorrect results.
(Height in meter)² / weight in kilogram
- Rationale: This formula is incorrect because the relationship between weight and height is reversed. BMI calculates weight divided by height squared, not height squared divided by weight. Using this formula would lead to a result that does not correspond to the standard BMI categories.
(Height in cm)² / weight in kilogram
- Rationale: Similar to the second option, this formula incorrectly uses height in centimeters instead of meters, and the relationship between weight and height is reversed. Both errors make this formula invalid for BMI calculation.
Conclusion:
- The correct formula for calculating BMI is Weight in kilograms / (Height in meters)². It is crucial to ensure that height is measured in meters and squared to produce accurate results. BMI is a useful tool for assessing weight-related health risks but should be interpreted alongside other health indicators for a comprehensive evaluation.
Last updated on Apr 7, 2025
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