What is the formula to determine Body Mass Index (BMI)?

The formula to determine Body Mass Index (BMI) is based on the relationship between weight and height, and option B accurately reflects the widely accepted calculation method used for individuals in the United States. In this formula, weight is measured in pounds, and height is measured in inches. The multiplication by 703 is a necessary adjustment to convert the units so that the resulting value is appropriate for BMI interpretation.

When using this method, the weight in pounds is first multiplied by 703, and then this product is divided by the height in inches squared. This correctly computes BMI, allowing for the assessment of an individual's body weight in relation to their height. Understanding BMI is essential in fields like athletic training, as it can be a useful indicator for assessing body composition and potential health risks associated with underweight or overweight classifications.

The other options include incorrect combinations of units or measurements, leading to formulas that do not yield a valid BMI calculation. For instance, formulas that involve height squared or weight measured in kilograms without the appropriate conversion factors do not align with the BMI standard, which is critical to ensure consistency in health assessments.